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.