Ibrahim Mbaye’s Senegal has been stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) trophy, with Achraf Hakimi’s Morocco announced as the eventual winners by the CAF Appeal Board.
In a dramatic ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board on Tuesday, Senegal was declared to have forfeited the final game and the result was recorded 3-0 in favour of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).
The Moroccan FA approached the African football authority on the application of Articles 82 and 84 of the regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations after Senegal momentarily staged a walk-off in the closing minutes of the final as a result of a penalty that was awarded against them.
The CAF Appeal Board, in its judgement, set aside the decision of CAF Disciplinary Board on Morocco with a number of hefty fines reduced, while Senegal chose not to appeal the fines and suspensions imposed on head coach Pape Thiaw and players like Ismaila Sarr.
The independent legal body concluded that Senegal’s conduct in the final match infringed Article 82 of the regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations and it consequently applied Article 84 as the right sanction.
In addition, some fines imposed on Morocco by the CAF Disciplinary Committee, which include the use of lasers by fans and conduct of ball boys in the final were reduced to $10,000 and $50,000 respectively.
How did Mbaye & Hakimi fare at AFCON 2025
Paris Saint-Germain duo Ibrahim Mbaye and Achraf Hakimi played their parts in the AFCON 2025 final for their countries on January 18 but Mbaye’s Senegal came out on top in Rabat with a 1-0 win at the end of extra-time.
Mbaye scored a goal in six matches for Senegal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
He broke his duck against Sudan in the round of the 16 and became the youngest goalscorer at the AFCON in the 21st century, at age 17 years and 344 days.
Hakimi, on his part, shrugged off fitness concerns and made five appearances for Morocco who played all their games in Rabat.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year contributed an assist in the tournament and he played every minute of the final match against Senegal.
The latest CAF ruling ends Morocco’s long wait for the Africa Cup of Nations trophy since their maiden and last triumph in 1976.
