Why Morocco Believes It Will Win AFCON Title After Senegal Appeal
- Morocco is confident the Court of Arbitration for Sport will uphold them as the rightful winners of the 2025 AFCON
- According to the North African nation’s FA president, official reports, video evidence, and CAF regulations all support their claim
- Although Senegal originally won the title, a CAF ruling later stripped them of it and retrospectively awarded the trophy to Morocco 58 days after the final
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Morocco has doubled down on their claim to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, insisting the trophy will remain in Rabat despite a strong appeal from Senegal.
The dispute, now before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), has become one of the most contentious cases in recent African football history.
While Senegal seeks to overturn the decision, Morocco maintains that the process which led to the title being reassigned followed the rules to the letter.
Source: Getty Images
Morocco confident of retaining AFCON title
At the heart of Morocco’s confidence is the strength of the evidence presented by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
Their president, Fouzi Lekjaa, insists the case is built on clear and verifiable documentation, including official match reports, video footage and the applicable regulations set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“Morocco has strong and documented arguments regarding what happened in the final,” Lekjaa told alomksport.
“All elements of the incident were recorded precisely, through official reports and video footage, in full respect of the regulations.”
He also pointed to a key moment that underpins Morocco’s argument.
“The withdrawal of the Senegal team is officially established,” he said, referencing both the referee’s report and video evidence that captured players leaving the pitch.
From Morocco’s standpoint, due process was followed, making any attempt to reverse the ruling a difficult task.
Source: Getty Images
Senegal challenge AFCON verdict at CAS
Senegal, however, sees the situation very differently.
The West African side argues that the decision to strip them of the title amounts to a sporting injustice, which is why they have taken the matter to CAS.
Their appeal focuses on both the interpretation and application of the rules to restore the result achieved on the pitch.
The controversy stems from a dramatic end to the final. Deep into stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a late penalty, prompting Senegal’s players to walk off in protest.
After about 17 minutes, the team returned following the intervention of Sadio Mane. When play resumed, Brahim Diaz missed the resulting penalty with an attempted Panenka.
Watch Diaz's infamous penalty on X:
Senegal then seized the moment. They scored what appeared to be the winner in extra time through Pape Gueye, sparking celebrations that would later prove premature.
Fifty-eight days later, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result, citing breaches of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations and awarding the title to Morocco.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb has since acknowledged the urgency surrounding the case, as noted by Al Jazeera.
“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
The final verdict will not only decide the rightful champions of AFCON 2025 but could also shape how disciplinary disputes are handled across African football in the years ahead.
Senegal display AFCON trophy in Paris
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Senegal displayed the AFCON trophy before their friendly against Peru at the Stade de France, despite being stripped of the title.
The match in Paris was their first since the final and served as preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June.
Source: YEN.com.gh
