AFCON Final Dispute Heads To CAS

Sadio Mane celebrating with the AFCON title

A football match is normally settled after 90 minutes, but the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final has remained unresolved for almost nine months.

The long-running dispute between Morocco and Senegal will now move to the courtroom, where the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is expected to play a decisive role in determining who officially holds the title.

CAS will hear Senegal’s appeal on Thursday against the decision that stripped the Lions of Teranga of the trophy they believed they had secured after defeating hosts Morocco in January.

However, there will be no immediate verdict, with CAS indicating that those expecting a ruling on the day will have to wait.

The final was played in front of around 66,000 spectators at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, with Morocco hoping to win their first AFCON title since 1976.

The game remained goalless until a dramatic period of stoppage time sparked controversy.

Senegal appeared to have found a late winner through Ismaila Sarr, but the goal did not stand after referee Jean Jacques Ndala had already stopped play to award Morocco a free-kick.

The situation became even more contentious in the 98th minute when Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR intervention.

The decision triggered angry reactions, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and members of his team heading towards the tunnel. Tensions also spilled into the stands, where clashes involving supporters and security forces briefly disrupted the match.

Despite the disorder, play eventually resumed.

Morocco were handed another huge opportunity in the 124th minute when Brahim Diaz stepped up from the penalty spot. The Real Madrid midfielder attempted a Panenka, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy comfortably gathered the chipped effort.

Senegal then delivered the decisive blow in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring to secure a 1-0 victory and what appeared to be Senegal’s second AFCON crown.

But the celebrations would later give way to a dispute that has kept the final alive months after the final whistle.

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