The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared Morocco the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The decision came after the tournament final against Senegal was officially abandoned due to a major power failure at the Stade de l'AmitiΓ© in Cotonou, Benin, on March 9, 2026.
The match was halted in the 85th minute with the score tied at 1-1. Despite extensive efforts, stadium officials and CAF could not restore power to allow the match to be completed. After a review, CAF's Organising Committee ruled that the match could not be replayed and awarded the title to Morocco based on their superior disciplinary record throughout the knockout stages.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated the decision was made in accordance with competition regulations. The Senegalese Football Federation has announced it will appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing the title should be shared or the match replayed at a neutral venue.
This unprecedented conclusion marks Morocco's third AFCON title, but the first awarded under such circumstances. The tournament's chaotic end has sparked widespread debate about infrastructure standards and contingency planning for major continental events.
