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When a Final Feels Unfair: CAF Admits Morocco Was Unfairly Treated in AFCON 2025

18 February 2026

When a Final Feels Unfair: CAF Admits Morocco Was Unfairly Treated in AFCON 2025
Morocco-Senegal AFCON 2025 final sparks a fairness debate.

Context and Controversy

Samir Sbeha, a CAF executive committee member, apologized to Morocco for what he called a "grave injustice" suffered by the Arab nation during the AFCON 2025 final.

Morocco lost the AFCON title in January, falling 1-0 to Senegal after extra time, in a dramatic match that featured protests, penalties, and a night of intense emotions.

Senegalese players briefly left the pitch to protest the Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala's decision to award a late penalty to the hosts.

Reactions and Reflections

Yet Senegal returned to complete the game, while Ibrahim Diaz missed the penalty in a moment many described as strange.

CAF later punished both federations for the surrounding events.

In remarks highlighted by the British newspaper The Guardian, Sbeha said, "I urge the Moroccan Football Federation to forgive us for the injustice; the rules were not observed as they should have been, and their rights were taken".

Mauritius Football Federation president added, "Clearly, after the Senegalese team left the field, every player should have received a yellow card".

The official, re-elected last March to the CAF executive committee, continued: "I'm not saying the trophy must go to Senegal. What happened has happened and cannot be changed, but we must set aside pride and admit the injustice to Morocco. After reviewing the competition rules, I'm confident in my position".

Outcomes and Outlook

CAF later punished both federations for the surrounding events.

Punchlines: If drama had a sponsor, this final would be its billboard. The only thing offside here is the truth.

Author

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Michael Whooosh

I am Michael Whooosh, an English sports journalist born in 1986. Passionate about surfing, poetry, and beekeeping, I share my human and sensitive view of sports.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did the CAF official say about the final?

He apologized to Morocco, calling the events a grave injustice and urged a recognition of fairness, while noting that the outcome could not be reversed.

What happened during the final besides the scoreline?

Senegal protested a late penalty decision by a Congolese referee; Senegalese players briefly left the pitch before returning to finish the match; Ibrahim Diaz missed a controversial penalty.

What actions did CAF take after the match?

CAF imposed sanctions on both the Senegalese and Moroccan federations amid the incidents surrounding the game.