Nigeria TV Info 

Senegal Beat Hosts Morocco to Win AFCON 2025 After Farcical Walk-Off

Senegal were crowned champions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 after hosts Morocco walked off the pitch in a dramatic and controversial final on Sunday night. The tense encounter at a packed Rabat stadium was abandoned in the 83rd minute with Senegal leading 2-1 following a series of disputed refereeing decisions.

The Teranga Lions took the lead through a first-half header by Kalidou Koulibaly before Morocco equalised shortly after the break via a Hakim Ziyech free-kick. Senegal restored their advantage in the 71st minute when Ismaila Sarr converted from the penalty spot after a VAR review judged a handball inside the area.

Moments later, tempers flared as the referee overturned another potential Moroccan penalty appeal and issued a red card to a home defender for dissent. Moroccan players and officials protested angrily before collectively leaving the pitch, prompting match officials to halt proceedings.

After waiting the mandatory period and failing to convince Morocco to return, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the match to Senegal in line with competition regulations. CAF later announced that a disciplinary investigation would be opened into the incident.

Senegal captain Sadio Mané dedicated the victory to the team’s supporters, describing the triumph as “bittersweet” due to the manner in which it ended. Moroccan coach Walid Regragui criticised the officiating, insisting his team were treated unfairly in the decisive moments.

The win marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, further cementing their status as one of Africa’s dominant football forces.