Senegal wasted no time firing back, using their official social media platforms to dismiss the administrative ruling and reaffirm their status as continental kings.

“Forever the First,” the federation wrote alongside a photo of the squad hoisting the hardware, a clear jab at the CAF Appeal Board’s decision to award Morocco a retrospective 3-0 forfeit victory.

Supporters have largely condemned CAF‘s intervention, which comes nearly two months after Senegal secured a 1-0 extra-time win in a match marred by a chaotic 15-minute player walk-off.

Senegal stars unleash social media firestorm

Midfielder Pathe Ciss was among the most vocal, adopting a sarcastic tone to mock the notion that an administrative scoreline could erase the physical reality of their victory.

“You can add three goals in favor of the whiners, but we are the 2025 CHAMPIONS of Africa,” Ciss posted, accompanied by laughing emojis.

Sunderland midfielder Habib Diarra added to the defiance, sharing Snapchat footage of the team’s celebratory parade through Dakar alongside images of his winner’s medal.

Senegal vow legal battle at the Court of Arbitration for Sport

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) formalized their resistance Wednesday, confirming they will escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

“The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football,” the FSF stated. “The federation will initiate an immediate appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to protect the integrity of our sporting achievement.“

“The CAF Appeal Board has determined that, in accordance with Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the 2025 Final Match,“ the statement read on their official website.

The ruling effectively vacates the Teranga Lions’ second continental title and award the host nation, Morocco, a retrospective 3-0 victory.

While Senegal originally triumphed 1-0 in extra time, the Appeal Board found their temporary refusal to play following a controversial VAR decision constituted a formal abandonment of the match.

The AFCON 2025 final retrospective

Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a controversial 98th-minute penalty to the host nation following a VAR review. The decision sparked immediate outrage from the Senegalese bench, as they stood on the verge of either a clean sheet or a heartbreaking defeat in regulation.

The Senegalese squad initially staged a 16-minute walk-off protest, retreating to the tunnel before Sadio Mane eventually persuaded his teammates to return to the pitch.

With the game’s fate on the line, Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz stepped up for the spot-kick, but his audacious “Panenka” attempt was easily smothered by Edouard Mendy, forcing the match into extra time.

Pape Gueye eventually found the net in the 94th minute to secure what appeared to be Senegal’s second continental crown, but that victory has since been rendered moot. In a landmark ruling issued today, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the result.

The match was marked by several pivotal moments, including a highly disputed penalty decision late in regulation time that Brahim Díaz failed to convert, as well as a brief protest that saw Senegal’s players walk off the field before returning to finish the game. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou played a crucial role for Morocco with multiple spectacular saves that kept the game alive deep into extra time.

Despite Morocco’s pressure and spells of dominance, Senegal showed resilience, composure, and leadership in the most difficult moments. Their persistence was rewarded in extra time, sealing a memorable victory that will be remembered as one of the most dramatic AFCON finals ever played.

Morocco enter the match surrounded by huge expectation, playing at home and aiming to repeat the historic triumph they achieved in 1976. Ranked 11th in the FIFA rankings, Morocco are enjoying a period of sustained growth and see this final as a key milestone for their golden generation.

Senegal arrive as one of the tournament’s powerhouses, currently ranked 19th in the world and carrying the confidence of recent continental success. Their path to the final has been built on defensive solidity and efficiency, confirming their status as one of Africa’s most consistent national teams.

Morocco reached the final after eliminating Nigeria in a dramatic penalty shootout following a match filled with intensity and tactical discipline. Senegal, meanwhile, advanced with a narrow 1–0 victory over Egypt in a tightly contested semifinal that demanded patience and composure.

What happens if Morocco win vs Senegal?

If Morocco win, they are crowned AFCON 2025 champions, ending a wait of nearly five decades since lifting the trophy in 1976. Such a victory would mark a historic moment for the country and serve as a major confidence boost heading into the 2026 World Cup cycle, while Senegal would finish as runners-up.

What happens if Morocco and Senegal tie?

If the match is level after 90 minutes, it goes to extra time, consisting of two 15-minute halves. Should the score remain tied after 120 minutes, the champion is decided by a penalty shootout, as there are no replay matches in the knockout stages.

What happens if Morocco lose vs Senegal?

If Morocco lose, Senegal are crowned AFCON 2025 champions, securing their second continental title after winning the tournament in 2021. That outcome would further cement Senegal’s place among Africa’s modern heavyweights, while Morocco would settle for second place despite a strong run on home soil.

This year, the Africa Cup of Nations has broken financial boundaries, with prize money surpassing every previous edition and reshaping the impact of advancing through each round. Beyond pride and supporters, there is a tangible incentive felt throughout the tournament.

As stadiums fill and the stories of players and coaches dominate headlines, the financial dimension of the title underscores the competition’s growing relevance. The amount at stake in the final is set to leave a lasting mark long after the trophy is lifted.

What is the prize money of AFCON 2025?

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is shaping up to be one of the most financially significant editions in the tournament’s history, with the CAF substantially increasing rewards for teams based on how far they progress.

At the top of the prize structure, the tournament’s champion is poised to earn a record $10 million, marking a sizeable increase from the $7 million awarded to the winner of the 2023 edition, according to the Confederation of African Football.

This jump of roughly 43% demonstrates CAF’s push to elevate the financial stakes of its flagship competition and offers a major incentive for competing national teams. But the financial incentives extend well beyond the final match.

Teams eliminated at various stages of the tournament also receive payout amounts, ensuring that participation and advancement are rewarded at multiple levels. Under the current structure, runners-up are set to take home around $4 million, while semifinalists and quarterfinalists secure $2.5 million and $1.3 million respectively.

Even teams exiting in the group stage receive a payout, underlining how the expanded prize money is designed to benefit a wide array of participants. Overall, the prize pool for AFCON 2025 is estimated at around $32 million, distributed across all competing teams in the tournament.

This record financial package underscores how CAF is aligning the Africa Cup of Nations with global standards of competitive reward while supporting national federations through increased economic returns.

After a regulation 90 minutes that offered few thrills, it was Nigeria who showed more attacking intent and created more scoring opportunities. However, neither side was able to capitalize, resulting in a scoreless deadlock at the end of normal time.

In a departure from traditional formats, the match proceeded directly to a penalty shootout following the draw. Egypt faltered early as their two biggest stars, Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, saw their attempts saved by Stanley Nwabali. The Pharaohs were never able to recover, allowing Nigeria to maintain the advantage and secure the bronze.

Both nations enjoyed stellar campaigns, finishing as leaders of their respective groups and remaining unbeaten until the semifinals. There, Egypt‘s run was halted by Senegal in a narrow 1-0 defeat, decided by a Sadio Mane strike that sent the Lions of Teranga to the final.

On the other side, Nigeria entered the semifinals having won every match of the tournament, but they faced a formidable host nation. In a hard-fought encounter that ended 0-0 after extra time, it was Morocco who ultimately prevailed in a penalty shootout (4-2), securing their ticket to the final where they will play for their second-ever continental title.

What happens if Egypt win vs Nigeria?

Should Egypt secure a victory over Nigeria, the Pharaohs will claim third place in the 2025 AFCON, marking the fourth time in their history they have achieved this distinction.

What happens if Egypt and Nigeria tie?

If the score remains level at the end of the 90-minute regulation period, the match will proceed directly to a penalty shootout to determine the bronze medal winner. Unlike the earlier knockout rounds, there is no extra time scheduled for the third-place playoff, ensuring a decisive result immediately following the final whistle.

What happens if Egypt lose vs Nigeria?

If Nigeria emerge victorious in the AFCON 2025 third-place match, the Super Eagles will claim the bronze medal, marking the ninth time in their history they have achieved this recognition.

According to the Egyptian Football National Team’s official X account, Salah will start for Egypt in the third-place match against Nigeria. As the captain and most pivotal player for the Pharaohs, he currently leads the team in scoring this tournament with four goals in five matches.

The Liverpool forward was essential during the group stage, netting a stoppage-time goal in the opening 2-1 win over Zimbabwe to start the campaign on the right foot. He followed that up as the lone scorer in the second match against South Africa, sealing Egypt’s qualification for the Round of 16.

The Egypt captain remained clutch during the knockout stage, scoring a crucial goal in extra time to secure a 3-1 victory over Benin in the Round of 16. His most recent goal came in the quarterfinal thriller against Ivory Coast, helping Egypt extend their lead in an eventual 3-2 win.

That goal against Ivory Coast also allowed Salah to continue rewriting the record books of Egyptian soccer. With that strike, Salah joined Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s second all-time leading scorer in AFCON history, with 11 career goals in the competition.

The starting XI confirmed for Egypt

To face Nigeria in the AFCON third-place match, these are the eleven players representing the Pharaohs: Mostafa Shobeir, Mohamed Hany, Rami Rabia, Hamdy Fathy, Khaled Sobhy, Muhannad Lasheen, Emam Ashour, Ahmed Sayed Zizo, Mahmoud Trezeguet, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed.

The road to the semifinals

Both Egypt and Nigeria put together impressive campaigns that their fans should be proud of. The Pharaohs finished at the top of their group and remained undefeated until the semifinals. However, in a hard-fought semifinal clash against Senegal, Sadio Mane managed to score with just 10 minutes remaining to send his side to the tournament final.

On the Nigerian side, the Eagles also reached the semifinals as group leaders, with the added distinction of winning every match they played. However, they faced a grueling test against Morocco, the host nation, in the semifinals. After a tense encounter that ended 0-0 through 120 minutes, Nigeria was ultimately eliminated in a penalty shootout.

It wasn’t easy, but Senegal prevailed once again over Egypt. In a matchup featuring the clash of former Liverpool FC teammates, Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane, the action was guaranteed to provide an instant classic. The partners-to-foes saga between Salah and Mane didn’t disappoint. In the end, only one could be left standing, and that was the Senegalese speedster.

On the other end of the bracket, Morocco took care of business in what was a semi final that could’ve gone either way. In the end, Achraf Hakimi and Morocco moved on to the grand final to play in front of their country. “Pressure is for tires” seems to be Morocco’s message, as they move on through a penalty shootout once again.

The stage is set. Senegal and Morocco will meet on Sunday, January 18 in the 2025 AFCON final. The game will be held at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. Kickoff is scheduled at 2:00 PM (ET).

Key information about the venue

Inaugurated in September 2025, Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium has capacity for roughly 67,500 spectators. It’s the second biggest stadium in Morocco and its pitch is made of natural grass. Going forward it will be Morocco’s national team’s home ground. Moreover, it will be an official venue during the FIFA World Cup 2030.

Playing for AFCON glory

Morocco is now one win away from hoisting their second AFCON title. Doing so in front of their fellow countrymen would only be the cherry on top to an incredible run under the country’s golden generation. When adding Morocco’s crowning in the U-20 FIFA World Cup, it’s safe to say the Atlas Lions have become a serious contender in world soccer.

Senegal will be looking to cement themselves as the apex predator in African soccer. After hoisting their first AFCON title in 2021, the Lions are back in the final. Senegal have now reached the grand stage of the competition in three of the last four tournaments (2019, 2021, and 2025).

The match itself was tightly contested, with both sides showing strong defensive organization and limited clear-cut chances. Morocco dominated possession slightly, but Nigeria’s pressing and quick transitions kept the game level throughout 120 minutes.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco held their composure while Nigeria faltered on key attempts. En-Nesyri’s successful penalty sealed the victory, capping off a dramatic and physically intense semifinal that will be remembered for its tension and high stakes.

Morocco enter the match in elite form, buoyed by a massive home crowd that has turned the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium into a fortress. In the quarterfinals, they secured a convincing 2-0 victory over Cameroon, featuring goals from Brahim Diaz and Ismael Saibari.

Nigeria, meanwhile, arrive as the most dangerous offensive unit in the competition. The Super Eagles have been flawless so far, winning every match they have played. In their quarterfinal encounter, they dispatched Algeria 2-0 with clinical finishes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

What happens if Morocco win vs Nigeria?

If Morocco defeat Nigeria, they will secure a ticket to the Grand Final on Sunday, Jan. 18. There, they will compete for their first AFCON title since 1976 against the winner of today’s other semifinal between Egypt and Senegal.

What happens if Morocco and Nigeria tie?

If the score is level after 90 minutes of regulation, the match will proceed to two 15-minute halves of extra time. Should the deadlock persist after the extra 30 minutes, a penalty shootout will determine which nation advances to the championship game.

What happens if Morocco lose vs Nigeria?

If Nigeria pull off the victory, the Super Eagles will advance to their second consecutive AFCON final. This would end Morocco’s hopes of winning their second title on home soil.