The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final outcome was reversed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board, which declared Senegal to have forfeited the game and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.

The Federation Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) filed an appeal, and the CAF upheld it in a historic finding under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, overturning the Disciplinary Board’s previous ruling.

The decision stems from dramatic scenes during the final, when Senegal players walked off the pitch for more than 10 minutes after Morocco were awarded a late penalty. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up but missed the spot-kick after attempting a panenka. Senegal later returned to the field and went on to win the match 1-0 in extra time, with Gueye scoring the decisive goal.

CAF, however, ruled that the conduct of the Senegal team constituted a breach of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found to have infringed Article 82, leading to the forfeiture of the match under Article 84.

“The appeal lodged by the Federation Royale Marocaine de Football is upheld,” the statement read. “The Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the FRMF.”

The ruling effectively strips Senegal of the AFCON title and awards the victory to Morocco in what is one of the most unprecedented decisions in the tournament’s history.

The Appeal Board also issued additional rulings relating to incidents during the final.

Morocco player Ismael Saibari was found guilty of misconduct in violation of CAF’s disciplinary code. His sanction was reduced to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, while a previously imposed fine of $100,000 was set aside.

CAF also held Morocco’s federation responsible for the conduct of ball boys during the match, reducing the associated fine to $50,000.

However, a separate fine of $100,000 for interference around the VAR review area was upheld, while a sanction relating to a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.

All other appeals and requests were dismissed.

The ruling brings closure to a highly contentious final and sets a significant precedent for disciplinary enforcement in African football.

The Gabon government suspends the national squad after a winless AFCON 2025 run.

In addition to Gabon’s early elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations, the government acted quickly to fire the technical staff of the national team and suspend the senior men’s squad indefinitely.

“The government has decided to dissolve the technical staff and suspend the national team until further notice,” said Mamboula, the acting Minister of Sports.

The Panthers were among the tournament’s early losers after a losing run, which heightened worries about the condition of football in the nation and prompted the decisive choice.

In Group F, the Panthers’ problems were evident right away. The team was put under pressure right away after an early loss to Cameroon established a bad tone.

Hopes of recovery faded further after a second loss to Mozambique, a result that left Gabon needing a strong response in their final group match to salvage pride and avoid a disappointing finish.

That response briefly appeared to materialise against Côte d’Ivoire. Gabon surged into a 2–0 lead, showing attacking intent and resilience that had been missing earlier in the tournament. For a moment, the Panthers looked set to end their campaign on a positive note.

However, the Ivorians mounted a powerful comeback, scoring three unanswered goals to turn the match on its head and seal a 3–2 victory. The collapse confirmed Gabon’s elimination with a record of three matches played and no wins.

The fallout was immediate and severe. In a clear signal of dissatisfaction, the Gabonese authorities opted to dissolve the entire technical setup and suspend the national team until further notice.

The move reflects frustration not only with results on the pitch but also with broader concerns about planning, leadership, and accountability within the national football structure.

Morocco roar into AFCON 2025 with commanding win over Comoros in Rabat

At the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco defeated Comoros 2-0 on Sunday night to start their AFCON 2025 campaign. They overcame an early penalty loss to win all three points.

In front of an enthusiastic 60,180 spectators, the Atlas Lions began their quest for their first continental championship since 1976, extending their winning streak to 19 games.

In the eleventh minute, Iyad Mohamed hauled down Brahim Diaz in the box, giving the home team an early lead. Yannick Pandor, the goalkeeper for Comoros, made a brilliant save, denying Soufiane Rahimi from the spot with his left knee.

Comoros remained compact and disciplined, frustrating Morocco throughout the first half. The breakthrough finally arrived ten minutes after the restart when Díaz was left unmarked near the penalty spot and swept home Noussair Mazraoui’s low cross, sending the home crowd into celebration.

The game opened up thereafter. Rafiki Saïd went close for Comoros but was denied by Yassine Bounou, while Pandor again impressed by pushing away a powerful effort from Mazraoui. With 15 minutes remaining, substitute Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular overhead kick.

Morocco now turn their attention to upcoming group fixtures against Mali and Zambia, with the top two advancing automatically and a possible route for a best third-placed side.