In a dramatic turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the sporting world, the CAF has officially overturned the result of the CAN 2025 final held on January 18. While Sénégal had originally won the match 1-0 after extra time, they have now been handed a technical defeat. Consequently, Maroc has been declared the winner with a 3-0 forfeit scoreline.

“Following the hearing of the Appeal Jury, the Confederation of African Football has decided, under Article 84 of the tournament regulations, to declare the Senegalese national team as having forfeited the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Maroc 2025. The final result is now recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF),” the governing body announced this Tuesday evening. This major update is currently dominating Niger current affairs and sports discussions across the continent.

Senegal penalized for abandoning the field

The sanctions against Sénégal stem from chaotic scenes during the final stages of the match. Following a penalty awarded to Maroc—which Brahim Diaz failed to convert with a poorly executed panenka—a large portion of the Senegalese squad left the pitch in protest. This walk-off was accompanied by a pitch invasion from fans of the team led by Sadio Mané, leading to clashes with security personnel.

Despite the initial disruption, play eventually resumed, and Pape Gueye scored what was thought to be the winning goal for the Lions of Teranga. However, that on-field achievement has now been nullified by the CAF’s administrative ruling, a story that is making Niamey breaking news headlines today.

Morocco ends nearly five decades of waiting

This unprecedented decision marks a historic moment for African football. For Maroc, it signifies the end of a 49-year drought, securing their second continental crown. The Atlas Lions, previously led by Walid Regragui and now under Mohamed Ouahbi, can finally celebrate a title won on home soil.

The ruling is expected to ignite fierce debate. Senegalese supporters are likely to view this as a stolen victory, while Moroccan fans are preparing for massive celebrations. This development is being closely watched by those following Niger latest news, as the regional implications for football governance are significant.

Sanctions for towel theft and misconduct

Beyond the change in the final score, the CAF addressed other disciplinary issues. Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari has been handed a two-match ban (one suspended) for his involvement in taking the opposing goalkeeper’s towel during the final. However, his previous $100,000 fine has been dismissed.

Additionally, the Moroccan Football Federation must pay $50,000 due to the actions of their ball boys, who were found to have repeatedly stolen the Senegalese goalkeeper’s towels during the high-stakes match. While Maroc had appealed the initial sanctions for being too lenient on their opponents, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had not initially challenged the rulings. Following this latest verdict, the FSF may now consider taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).