AFCON 2025 – Sahara Football

Social Media washed with divergent views as CAF awards 2025 AFCON title to Morocco

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 08:28:45 +0000

The Confederation of African Football has decided to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations to Morocco, overturning the result of the final.

Senegal beat Morocco in the finals by a lone goal, but it was marred by an earlier incident where Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, which saw Senegalese players briefly leave the pitch and return later to continue the game.

After the game, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodged an official protest, which CAF later confirmed was admissible and subsequently upheld after a detailed review.

In its ruling, CAF stated that Senegal, “through the conduct of its team,” breached Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations. The governing body further noted that this violation triggered the application of Article 84.

Based on these provisions, CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 win in favour of Morocco.

These are tweets from Social media after CAF awarded Morocco the title.

https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2034022027393191984

https://twitter.com/MickyJnr__/status/2034172040194806179

https://twitter.com/Chiefseiduadamu/status/2034040489784078772

https://twitter.com/osasuo/status/2034024652884881535

https://twitter.com/nathan_quao/status/2034027820825858401

Morocco awarded AFCON 2025 Title as CAF sanctions Senegal for final walk-off

Fortune Adza — Wed, 18 Mar 2026 00:05:42 +0000

Morocco national football team have been officially declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football overturned the result of their final defeat to Senegal national football team following a controversial incident during the match.

Senegal had initially been crowned champions after edging Morocco 1-0 in the final played on January 18. The match, however, was overshadowed by a dramatic moment late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score still level.

In protest, Senegalese players briefly left the pitch, halting proceedings for about 17 minutes. After intervention, they returned to continue the match. Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but saw his effort saved. The game eventually went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored what appeared to be the winning goal for Senegal.

Following the match, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodged an official protest, which CAF later confirmed was admissible and subsequently upheld after a detailed review.

According to Article 82, any team that refuses to continue play or leaves the field before the end of regulation time without the referee’s approval is considered to have lost the match and is subject to elimination. Article 84 reinforces this by stipulating that such a team forfeits the match and it is awarded as a 3-0 victory to the opposing side.

Based on these provisions, CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 win in favour of Morocco.

The decision brings a dramatic and controversial end to the tournament, with Morocco now confirmed as AFCON 2025 champions following one of the most disputed finals in recent memory.

Morocco to appeal CAF sanctions

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:42:25 +0000

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation has announced its decision to appeal disciplinary sanctions handed down by the Confederation of African Football in the final against Senegal.

Morocco lost in extra-time through Papa Gueye goal but there was a 14-minute stoppage disruption followed a walk-off by Senegalese players after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed their goal and subsequently awarded Morocco a penalty, triggering a pitch invasion by supporters and confrontations involving players and match officials.

In the end, CAF’s Disciplinary Committee imposed heavy sanctions, including a five-match ban and a $100,000 fine on Senegal coach Pape Thiaw. Senegal’s football federation was also fined $615,000 for the conduct of players and fans, while Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr received two-match bans for unsporting behaviour toward the referee.

Morocco were not spared. CAF rejected their request to overturn the match result and imposed fines totalling $315,000, citing misconduct by players, staff, and supporters. Captain Achraf Hakimi received a two-match ban, one suspended for a year, while Ismael Saibari was banned for three games, following an incident involving Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The FRMF said they will appeal the sanctions.

CAF hands heavy sanctions to Senegal and Morocco after AFCON 2025 final incidents

Fortune Adza — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 07:02:01 +0000

The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has imposed a series of disciplinary sanctions on the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) and the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) following incidents that occurred during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement published on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, CAF confirmed that its Disciplinary Board reviewed reports from the final and found multiple violations of the CAF Disciplinary Code involving players, officials, and supporters from both nations.

Sanctions Against Senegal

The CAF Disciplinary Board issued several punishments to the Senegalese Football Federation, targeting both individuals and the federation itself.

Senegal head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was handed a five-match suspension from official CAF competitions for unsporting conduct deemed to have brought the game into disrepute. He was also fined USD 100,000.

Two Senegalese players, Iliman Cheikh Baroy Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, were each suspended for two CAF matches for unsporting behaviour directed at match officials.

CAF further fined the FSF a total of USD 615,000, broken down into penalties for improper supporter conduct, unsporting behaviour by players and technical staff, and team misconduct following the accumulation of five cautions during the match.

Sanctions Against Morocco

The Moroccan Football Federation was also sanctioned following a series of incidents during the final.

Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended for a probationary period of one year, for unsporting behaviour. Midfielder Ismaël Saibari was suspended for three CAF matches and fined USD 100,000.

CAF imposed additional fines on the FRMF, including USD 200,000 for the inappropriate conduct of stadium ball boys, USD 100,000 for the invasion of the VAR review area by players and officials, and USD 15,000 for the use of laser pointers by supporters.

Protest Rejected

CAF also addressed a formal protest submitted by the Moroccan Football Federation, which alleged violations by Senegal under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. After review, the Disciplinary Board rejected the protest, ruling that it lacked sufficient grounds.

The sanctions underscore CAF’s commitment to enforcing discipline, fair play, and integrity, particularly during high-profile matches such as the Africa Cup of Nations final.

Ghana remains 72nd Globally, 14th in Africa in latest FIFA ranking

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 09:14:41 +0000

The FIFA’s latest Men’s World Rankings has Black Stars of Ghana at 72nd in the world and 14th in Africa.

Senegal’s triumph at the AFCON 2025 pushed them to 12th globally, North African side, Morocco broke into the top 10 in the world placing 8th, edging out Belgium, Croatia, and Germany.

The quartet of Spain, Argentina, France, and England are the make up for the top 4 globally ranked teams.

Nigeria anchors Africa’s charge at 26th, ahead of Algeria (28th), Egypt (31st), Ivory Coast (37th), Cameroon (45th), and Tunisia (47th). DR Congo follows at 48th, then Mali (54th), South Africa (60th), Burkina Faso (62nd), and Cape Verde (67th).

Ghana slots in at 72nd among the top 20 Africans, with Guinea (80th), Gabon (86th), Uganda (88th), Angola (89th), Zambia (91st), and Benin (92nd) behind. The rankings capture a dynamic start to the year, blending stability and ambition.

Coach Otto Addo’s squad eyes redemption in a March friendly against Germany in Stuttgart, a pivotal clash to ignite their World Cup path and African resurgence.

CAF condemns misconduct during AFCON 2025 final

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:41:45 +0000

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has issued a strong condemnation of the unsportmanlike conduct displayed in the just ended TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 final.

In a statement released on the official CAF website, the acts were described as unacceptable and inconsistent with the values of professionalism, respect, and fair play that the competition seeks to uphold.

The football body added that misconduct directed at match officials, organizers, or any other stakeholders will not be tolerated, particularly on a stage as prestigious as the AFCON final.

CAF further confirmed that it is currently reviewing available match footage and official reports. The incident will be referred to the appropriate disciplinary bodies, with sanctions expected for individuals found to have violated competition regulations.

AFCON 2025 : Senegal 1-0 Morocco

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:38:00 +0000

Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time in their history after edging hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in a grilling final in Rabat.

The Teranga Lions started the game as the better side, creating and controlling large portions of the first half.

The Atlas Lions brought their A-game in the second half. Nayef Aguerd narrowly failed to connect with Abdessamad Ezzalzouli’s teasing cross that flashed across the face of the goal.

As if that was not enough, Ayoub El Kaabi spurned what could have turned the game in their favor.

Senegal thought they had a goal, but it was disallowed for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck in the 93rd minute of the game.

Morocco was awarded a late penalty after a VAR review; Brahim Diaz was manhandled by El Hadji Malick Diouf, but the resulting panenka was saved by Edward Mendy.

Villareal’s Pape Gueye unleashed a ferocious left-footed strike from the edge of the area beyond Bonou, sending the Senegalese bench into raptures and silencing a packed stadium desperate for a long-awaited home triumph.

Morocco pressed relentlessly, yet couldn’t find their cutting edge in the final third.

In the end, Senegal held firm for their second AFCON title.

AFCON 2025: Yassine Bounou wins Goalkeeper of the Tournament

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:25:23 +0000

Reigning CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, Yassine Bounou, has been awarded the Golden Glove as the Best Goalkeeper of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025, capping off a stellar individual campaign in goal for the Atlas Lions.

Bounou was a rock throughout the competition, keeping five clean sheets in seven matches, the joint-most in the tournament alongside Senegal’s Édouard Mendy. His resolute displays helped Morocco concede just two goals on their run to the final—underlining his consistency, composure, and influence for the host nation.

Across the tournament, the veteran shot-stopper produced a series of crucial saves, often tipping the balance in Morocco’s favor. His finest moments included key stops during knockout matches and a commanding performance in the semi-final, where his interventions were instrumental in sending the Atlas Lions through to the final.

Despite Morocco’s narrow 1–0 extra-time defeat to Senegal, Bounou’s commanding performances earned him the accolade.

The Golden Glove award adds to Bounou’s distinguished career and reinforces his status as CAF Goalkeeper of the Year, while also serving as recognition of his vital role in Morocco’s deep run at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Morocco 2025.

AFCON 2025 : Brahim Díaz adjudged Puma Golden Boot winner

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Mon, 19 Jan 2026 01:21:51 +0000

Despite failing to score the penalty that would have ended a 50-year wait for the AFCON trophy, Brahim Díaz has picked up the Puma Golden Boot trophy to assuage his pain.

The attacking talent plying his trade with Real Madrid in Spain was adjudged top scorer at the end of the competition with five goals.

He scored the first goal of his AFCON 2025 campaign in a 2-0 win against Comoros.

He followed up with another goal for Mali and Zambia.

In the Round of 16 against Tanzania and Cameroon in the quarterfinals, he scored again.

He was a man in form, scoring in five consecutive games.

AFCON 2025: Senegal and Morocco set for finals

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey — Thu, 15 Jan 2026 08:56:06 +0000

Morocco and Senegal are set to renew hostilities when the pair clash in the final of the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Both semi-finals were played on Wednesday, January 14, 2025, in Tangier and Rabat, respectively.

Saido Mane’s goal with a quarter to finish the game was enough for Senegal to book one of two slots for the AFCON final with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt, ending the Pharaohs’ run of extending their seventh continental title to eight.