CAF Overturns AFCON 2025 Final, Crowns Morocco Champions Ahead of Senegal

Published

3 months ago

March 23, 2026

thecloudngr

CAF Overturns AFCON 2025 Final, Crowns Morocco Champions Ahead of Senegal—-The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially revised the outcome of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025, declaring Morocco champions, Senegal runners-up, and Nigeria third following a controversial post-tournament ruling.

The decision, confirmed on Monday, March 23, 2026, came after CAF’s Appeal Board upheld a protest filed by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) against the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF).

Initially, Senegal had appeared destined for glory after a composed and dominant run to the final, while Morocco impressed with consistency throughout the tournament, which was hosted on home soil.

However, CAF ruled that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations through the conduct of its team. As a result, the final was forfeited, with a 3–0 scoreline awarded to Morocco—effectively handing the North African side the title.

Nigeria, who enjoyed a strong campaign marked by attacking flair and statistical dominance, secured third place in the revised standings.

Tournament Overview

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered a thrilling showcase of African football, featuring tactical discipline, fierce competition, and standout individual performances.

Nigeria emerged as one of the most dominant sides statistically, winning five consecutive matches, scoring a tournament-high 14 goals, and averaging 66% possession.

Senegal led in passing accuracy with 3,562 completed passes, while both Senegal and Morocco recorded the highest number of shots attempted, with 108 each.

Defensively, Morocco, Comoros, and DR Congo impressed, conceding just two goals apiece, while Mozambique recorded the highest goals conceded with nine.

In total, the tournament produced 123 goals, along with 210 yellow cards and nine red cards—highlighting its intensity and physical edge.

The final between Senegal and Morocco drew 66,526 fans at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, making it the most attended match of the competition.

Individual Awards

Senegal’s Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament, while Morocco’s Brahim Díaz finished as top scorer with five goals.

Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou claimed the Best Goalkeeper award with five clean sheets, and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman was recognised as Best Playmaker with four assists.

Morocco also received the Fair Play Award.

Disciplinary Rulings

CAF’s Appeal Board also addressed several disciplinary issues from the final. Morocco’s Ismaël Saibari had his suspension reduced to two matches, with one suspended, while a previously issued $100,000 fine was overturned.

The Moroccan federation was fined $50,000 for incidents involving ball boys, while a separate $100,000 sanction related to interference around the VAR review area was upheld. A laser-related fine was also reduced to $10,000.

A Tournament to Remember

Despite the controversy surrounding the final decision, AFCON 2025 will be remembered for its high-quality football and dramatic conclusion.

With Morocco officially crowned champions, Senegal runners-up, and Nigeria finishing third, the tournament stands as one of the most contentious—and statistically compelling—editions in recent African football history.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Up Next

Trump Signals Iran Talks as Markets Rally, Oil Prices Slide on Hopes of Strait Reopening

Don't Miss

Nico O’Reilly Double Fires Manchester City to Carabao Cup Glory Over Arsenal

Click to comment

Sports

BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener

Published

2 days ago

June 14, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: Vinícius Rescues Brazil as Morocco Hold Selecao to Thrilling World Cup Opener—-Morocco stunned the five-time champions with an early breakthrough before Vinícius Júnior’s moment of brilliance earned Brazil a hard-fought 1-1 draw in Group C.

Brazil were forced to settle for a point in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a spirited Morocco side held the South American giants to a 1-1 draw in a captivating Group C encounter at MetLife Stadium.

The Atlas Lions struck first in the 21st minute when Ismael Saibari latched onto a perfectly weighted pass from Brahim Díaz before calmly lifting the ball over goalkeeper Alisson Becker to give Morocco a deserved lead. The African side’s intensity and organization troubled Brazil throughout the opening stages.

Brazil responded through their star man Vinícius Júnior, who produced a moment of individual brilliance in the 32nd minute. The Real Madrid winger drove into the box and unleashed a powerful finish beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity and ignite the Brazilian supporters.

Despite enjoying more possession after the break, Brazil struggled to break down a disciplined Moroccan defence. Morocco, meanwhile, continued to threaten on the counterattack and arguably created the clearer opportunities in the closing stages.

The result leaves Group C finely poised, with both teams earning a valuable point in what was billed as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the opening round. While Brazil avoided an early setback thanks to Vinícius’ heroics, Morocco once again demonstrated why they remain one of the most dangerous sides on the international stage.

thecloudngr

0Shares

Sports

BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal

Published

2 weeks ago

May 30, 2026

thecloudngr

BREAKING: PSG Retain Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Victory Over Arsenal—-French champions edge Gunners 4-3 on penalties in Budapest to secure back-to-back European crowns.

Paris Saint-Germain successfully defended their UEFA Champions League title after defeating Arsenal 4-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the final at Budapest’s Puskás Aréna. PSG became only the second club in the modern Champions League era to retain the trophy in successive seasons.

Arsenal made the perfect start to the final when Kai Havertz fired the Premier League champions into an early lead in the sixth minute, giving Mikel Arteta’s side hope of winning the club’s first-ever Champions League title.

The holders responded in the second half, with Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembélé converting a penalty in the 65th minute after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, bringing PSG level and setting up a tense finish.

Neither side could find a winner during the remainder of normal time or extra time, forcing the final into a dramatic penalty shootout. PSG held their nerve from the spot, while Arsenal defender Gabriel missed the decisive penalty, blasting his effort over the crossbar.

The victory caps another remarkable European campaign for Luis Enrique’s side, who reached the final after eliminating FC Bayern Munich in the semi-finals and entered the showpiece as defending champions.

For Arsenal, the defeat is a heartbreaking end to an otherwise historic season. Arteta’s men arrived in Budapest having won their first Premier League title in 22 years and reached their first Champions League final since 2006, but they fell just short of completing a memorable double.

PSG’s triumph further cements their place among Europe’s elite, while Arsenal will be left to reflect on a campaign that brought domestic glory but ended in European heartbreak.

thecloudngr