AFCON 2025: Senegal’s Triumph Saved Morocco And CAF From Major Controversy

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Former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, has stated that Senegal’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ultimately shielded both Morocco and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) from a potentially damaging controversy that could have cast a shadow over the tournament.

According to Odegbami, the outcome of the gripping final in Rabat helped prevent accusations that might have undermined what was largely regarded as a well-organised and successful championship.

The tournament had steadily built toward a blockbuster clash between two of Africa’s strongest teams. Host nation Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked side and semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, were chasing their first AFCON title in 50 years. Senegal, champions in 2021, were equally determined to reclaim the crown they lost in the 2023 edition.

However, the final was marred by controversial refereeing decisions in the dying moments. Late in stoppage time, Senegal appeared to have secured victory, only for their goal to be ruled out due to a foul in the build-up. Soon after, Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

The call sparked strong protests from the Senegal camp, who believed their earlier disallowed goal had been cancelled for a similar and equally questionable offence. Tensions escalated further when coach Pape Thiaw briefly led his players off the pitch in protest, before captain Sadio Mané persuaded them to return.

Diaz subsequently missed the penalty, the match progressed into extra time, and Senegal eventually clinched the title courtesy of a brilliant strike from Pape Gueye.

Odegbami argued that this chain of events made Senegal’s victory the most fitting outcome for the competition. The 1980 AFCON winner dismissed claims of any conspiracy involving Morocco or CAF, attributing the controversy to poor officiating instead. While acknowledging that Morocco deserved their place in the final, he maintained that a home victory would have been difficult to justify under the circumstances.

Writing in his weekly column, Odegbami said: “The tension affected the Moroccans psychologically, and their eventual defeat on home soil, though painful, turned out to be a blessing. It spared Morocco and the entire tournament from a stain that would have followed had they emerged victorious.

“On the night, Senegal were marginally the better side in a physically demanding contest between the two best teams at the tournament. Based purely on performance, they deserved to lift the trophy. In the end, events unfolded in a way that ensured justice prevailed.

“Beyond emotional reactions and minor issues within CAF, Morocco and the organisers deserve praise for their planning, innovation, fairness, and commitment to fair play during a memorable AFCON.”

Odegbami also recalled that he had earlier predicted Nigeria would win the tournament after the Super Eagles stormed through their opening matches, winning their first five games and scoring 14 goals in the process.

However, Nigeria’s title charge ended in heartbreak following a penalty shootout loss to Morocco in the semi-finals. The Super Eagles later bounced back to secure the bronze medal after defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place playoff.