Tag: Morocco

In a surprising  and unprecedented decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, awarding the title to Morocco national football team following a successful appeal.

The ruling sees Senegal national football team stripped of the title they initially secured on the pitch, with the final result now recorded as a 3–0 forfeiture in favour of Morocco.

The decision was confirmed after Morocco filed a formal complaint to CAF’s disciplinary committee, challenging the events that unfolded during the final. After reviewing the case, the committee ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of competition regulations, leading to the forfeiture.

At the center of the controversy was a dramatic moment during the final when Senegal players reportedly left the pitch in protest following a disputed decision. According to CAF’s regulations, any team that abandons a match without authorization is subject to disciplinary action, including automatic forfeiture.

CAF stated that violations of its competition rules in delivering the verdict, concluding that Senegal’s conduct warranted the nullification of the original result. As a result, Morocco have now been retrospectively crowned AFCON 2025 champions.

The ruling effectively erases Senegal’s 1–0 victory after extra time, replacing it with a 3–0 administrative win for Morocco. It marks one of the most controversial decisions in the history of the tournament and is expected to generate widespread debate across the football world.

Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Dramatic Final Against Morocco

While CAF has finalized its position, the situation may not yet be fully resolved. Senegal are expected to explore further legal options, including a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as they seek to challenge the decision and reclaim the title.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), putting to rest recent speculation about a possible relocation or postponement of the tournament.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that Morocco remains fully committed and prepared to stage the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026. The decision ensures that the tournament, which also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will proceed as planned.

This announcement comes after discussions in some quarters about the potential for a change of host nation. CAF clarified that Morocco had met all organizational requirements and that there were no obstacles to continuing as hosts.

The 2026 edition of WAFCON will see teams from across Africa compete for continental glory, building on Morocco’s successful hosting of the 2022 WAFCON. CAF’s reaffirmation signals confidence in Morocco’s ability to deliver a world-class tournament, complete with top-notch stadiums, facilities, and fan engagement.

In the first days of February 2026, reports circulated in African media and social channels suggesting that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting WAFCON 2026, and that South Africa might take over. These claims were amplified after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, publicly stated that South Africa would host the tournament, implying Morocco could no longer stage it. 

This assertion quickly made headlines and sparked debate across sports outlets and social media but it had no formal backing from CAF at the time. Instead, it emerged from contradictory statements within South African government ranks, where the deputy minister’s comments were later refuted by the South African Sports Minister’s office, which clarified that they were speaking about willingness to assist, not a confirmed hosting change. 

For African women’s football, this is a crucial milestone. With increased investment and visibility, WAFCON continues to grow as a platform that showcases the continent’s talent and inspires the next generation of female footballers. Morocco’s hosting is expected to bring in fans from across Africa and beyond, further cementing the tournament’s prestige and influence in global women’s football.

CAF’s statement underscores that the countdown to WAFCON 2026 is on, and Morocco is ready to welcome the continent’s best teams to a festival of football, passion, and empowerment.

The drama surrounding the AFCON 2025 final is far from over. Days after Senegal defeated Morocco to lift the trophy, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed down major disciplinary sanctions affecting players, coaches, and both football federations.

The ruling follows chaotic scenes and heated protests during and after the final in Rabat, prompting CAF’s disciplinary committee to step in with suspensions and significant fines.

Here’s everything fans need to know.

Senegal emerged champions after a tense final that stretched into extra time, but controversy overshadowed the closing stages of the match. Disputed decisions, prolonged VAR reviews, and emotional reactions from players and staff triggered confrontations on the pitch and protests from both benches.

CAF later reviewed the incidents and concluded that several individuals and teams violated competition regulations and fair-play standards.

Senegal Hit Hard

CAF punished several Senegal representatives following the match:

• Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw received a five-match suspension in CAF competitions and a substantial fine after being found guilty of unsporting conduct.
• Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were each handed two-match suspensions for misconduct toward match officials.
• The Senegal Football Federation was also fined heavily for incidents involving team officials and supporter behavior.

Morocco Also Sanctioned

Morocco did not escape punishment either.

• Achraf Hakimi received a two-match suspension, with one match suspended pending good behavior.
• Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was given a three-match ban along with a financial penalty.
• The Moroccan Football Federation was fined over incidents involving match-day conduct and supporter actions.

CAF also rejected Morocco’s official protest regarding decisions made during the final.

The suspensions will apply only to CAF competitions, meaning affected players and officials can still participate in non-CAF tournaments, including World Cup fixtures.

While AFCON 2025 will be remembered for Senegal’s triumph, the post-final controversy has sparked debate about officiating, VAR decisions, and pressure on players and coaches during major tournaments.

Senegal celebrate continental glory, but both finalists now face consequences from one of the most dramatic AFCON finals in recent memory. The fallout serves as a reminder that in modern football, what happens after the whistle can sometimes be just as significant as what happens during the match.

Stay with Streamdorm Sports for more updates and analysis on African and global football stories.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will receive $2.5 million in prize money after finishing third at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The bronze medal reward follows the official prize structure released for the tournament, which allocates $2.5 million to third-place finishers. Nigeria secured the position after edging out their opponents in the third-place playoff, ending the tournament on a positive note.

AFCON 2025 came with a significantly improved financial package, reflecting CAF’s continued push to increase the tournament’s global appeal and competitiveness. Under the prize breakdown, the champions take home $10 million, runners-up earn $4 million, while fourth place receives $1.3 million. Teams that reached the quarterfinals also pocket $800,000, with additional rewards for group-stage placements.

For the Super Eagles, the bronze finish represents both a sporting and financial boost. After a challenging campaign filled with high-intensity matches and dramatic moments, Nigeria’s podium finish reaffirms their status as one of Africa’s most consistent football powerhouses.

Beyond the prize money, the team’s performance in Morocco has been widely praised by fans, with several players delivering standout displays throughout the competition. The result also provides momentum as Nigeria looks ahead to future international fixtures and qualification campaigns.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final delivered drama both on and off the pitch, and while Senegal celebrated their hard-fought victory over Morocco, Nigerian celebrities Shaffy Bello and Broda Shaggi gave fans a completely different kind of highlight.

Shortly after Senegal’s win, a video began circulating on social media showing the actress and comedian pretending to be visibly unhappy with the result. Their exaggerated facial expressions and body language quickly caught attention, sparking laughter and conversation online.

In the clip, Shaffy Bello and Broda Shaggi appear to playfully dramatize their “disappointment” following Senegal’s triumph over Morocco. The moment was clearly staged for humor, with Broda Shaggi leaning fully into his trademark comic style while Shaffy Bello matched the energy with mock seriousness.

The reaction was influenced by where they were seated inside the stadium, as the section was largely dominated by Moroccan supporters. With many fans around them visibly disappointed after the final whistle, the duo chose to mirror the mood of their surroundings, turning the moment into a playful and relatable joke.

As with many viral AFCON moments, the reaction showed how football continues to unite sports, entertainment, and pop culture on the continent.

Beyond the goals, controversies, and celebrations, AFCON 2025 has been filled with memorable off-pitch moments; from celebrity reactions to viral fan clips. The Shaffy Bello and Broda Shaggi video adds to that list, showcasing that African football tournaments are as much about culture and entertainment as they are about results.

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Senegal emerged as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging host nation Morocco in a tense and dramatic final that went into extra time at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat.

The final, played on January 18, 2026, ended 1–0 in favour of Senegal, sealing their second AFCON title after a night filled with controversy, resilience, and decisive moments .

The match remained goalless after 90 minutes, with both teams cancelling each other out in a tactical contest defined by defensive organisation and limited clear-cut chances. Morocco enjoyed spells of possession, while Senegal stayed compact and patient, waiting for opportunities on the break .

Drama erupted deep into stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a controversial penalty. The decision sparked strong protests from the Senegal camp and briefly halted play. When the penalty was eventually taken, Brahim Díaz’s effort was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping the final level and forcing extra time .

The breakthrough arrived in extra time as Pape Gueye found the net with a well-placed finish, giving Senegal the lead in what proved to be the decisive moment of the final. Senegal then held firm under late Moroccan pressure to see out the victory and secure the trophy .

The win marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations triumph, following their maiden title in 2021. It also caps an impressive tournament run in which the Lions of Teranga combined defensive solidity with timely attacking contributions across the knockout stages .

For Morocco, the defeat ends a strong home campaign in heartbreak. Backed by passionate home support, the Atlas Lions came close to lifting their first AFCON title since 1976 but were ultimately overpowered by fine margins in a tightly contested final.

AFCON 2025 will be remembered for its competitiveness, drama, and high-quality knockout football, with the final standing out as one of the tournament’s most intense matches. A rollercoaster season. 

In a dramatic and tightly contested semi-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat, host nation Morocco edged Nigeria in a penalty shootout after a goalless draw through regulation and extra time, booking their place in the final against Senegal.

The clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah lived up to its billing as one of the tournament’s biggest fixtures, with both sides showing tactical awareness and defensive resilience in front of a packed home crowd. 

Neither team managed to break the deadlock over 120 minutes of intense football. Morocco, driven by a vocal home support and the creative influence of Brahim Díaz, pressed for openings, but the Super Eagles’ defence stood firm for long periods. Nigeria, unbeaten in the competition leading into this match, struggled to carve out meaningful goal-scoring opportunities against a well-organised Moroccan rearguard. 

The match was marked by robust challenges, cautious tactical play, and moments of individual skill, but the scoreboard remained untouched through both 90 minutes and extra time. 

With the scoreline still 0–0 after extra time, the semi-final was decided by penalties. In a tense shootout, Morocco held their nerve to prevail and eliminate Nigeria from the competition. The decisive moments came as both teams traded successful spot-kicks and critical saves, ultimately tipping the balance in favour of the Atlas Lions.

Morocco’s victory ended Nigeria’s bid for an AFCON title this year and propelled the hosts into the final, where they will meet Senegal, who advanced by beating Egypt in the other semi-final. Morocco are now one win away from lifting their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy since 1976, a feat that would cement a historic achievement on home soil. 

For Nigeria, the narrow defeat brings an end to a strong tournament run, one that saw them go undefeated through the group stage and score freely in earlier rounds but falls just short of another final appearance. 

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations quarter‑finals kicked off in Morocco with two captivating clashes that set the tone for a thrilling final eight of Africa’s most prestigious football tournament. Hostilities began with Senegal vs Mali in Tangier before the spotlight shifted to Cameroon vs Morocco in Rabat.

Senegal vs Mali

The first quarter‑final saw Senegal secure a 1‑0 win over Mali in Tangier, booking their place in the semi‑finals with a performance defined by tactical discipline and clinical finishing. 

It was Iliman Ndiaye who provided the game’s decisive moment, capitalising on a defensive lapse and firing Senegal ahead in the first half. Despite intense second‑half pressure from Mali, the Lions of Teranga showcased composed defending and match management to see out the victory. 

Mali’s efforts were further hampered when captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card (Red Card) shortly before halftime, forcing his side to battle with ten men for the entire second half. 

Senegal’s win not only extends their impressive knockout run but also highlights their status as one of the tournament favourites, combining defensive power with moment‑making talent. Their reward is a semi‑final clash with the winner of Egypt vs Ivory Coast. 

Morocco vs Cameroon

In Rabat, the host nation Morocco displayed a blend of stylistic control and attacking intent to defeat Cameroon 2‑0 and take a commanding position in the race for the AFCON crown. 

The opening goal arrived in the 26th minute through Brahim Diaz, whose composed finish gave the Atlas Lions an early edge. Morocco maintained pressure throughout the first half and extended their lead deep into the second with a well‑timed strike from Ismael Saibari. 

Cameroon, known for their physicality and intensity, struggled to consistently break the Moroccan defensive lines. Morocco’s substitutions, bringing on experience and fresh legs helped manage the game while keeping possession control and limiting clear chances for the opposition. 

The result sends Morocco, also one of the tournament favourites  into the semi‑finals, fuelling hopes of lifting the trophy on home soil for the first time since 1976. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria vs Algeria and Egypt vs Ivory Coast are set to decide the remaining semi‑finalists on Saturday, January 10, with each team bringing distinct strengths and narrative intrigue ahead of crucial knockout football. 

The Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 continued with decisive wins for Morocco and Cameroon, as the quarterfinal lineup took clearer shape.

Morocco 1–0 Tanzania: Díaz Sends Hosts Through to the Quarterfinals

Hosts Morocco secured a place in the AFCON quarterfinals with a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania.

After a controlled first half, Brahim Díaz scored the decisive goal in the 64th minute, breaking the deadlock and settling the contest. Morocco managed the game well thereafter, limiting Tanzania’s chances and seeing out the win in front of home supporters.

Final Score:

• Morocco 1–0 Tanzania

• Goal: Brahim Díaz (64′)

Cameroon 2–1 South Africa: Early Strikes Seal Progress

Cameroon booked their quarterfinal spot after a 2–1 win over South Africa in a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter.

The Indomitable Lions took control of the match with goals in each half. Jean Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute, before Carlos Kofane doubled Cameroon’s lead shortly after the break in the 47th minute.

South Africa pushed late and were rewarded when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back in the 88th minute, but Cameroon held firm in the closing moments to secure progression.

Final Score:

• South Africa 1–2 Cameroon

• Cameroon: J. Tchamadeu (34′), C. Kofane (47′)
• South Africa: E. Makgopa (88′)

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 concluded its final group matches on Monday, 29 December, with four high-stakes games that confirmed several Round of 16 places and shaped the tournament’s knockout landscape. From South African victory to a commanding Moroccan performance, here’s a full recap of all today’s AFCON results. 

Full Match Results – 29 December 2025

Group B Results

• Zimbabwe 2–3 South Africa: South Africa battle back in a thrilling encounter to secure their spot in the Round of 16. 
• Angola 0–0 Egypt: Egypt rest key players but do enough to finish top of Group B unbeaten.

Group A Results

• Comoros 0–0 Mali: Both sides end their group campaigns with a goalless draw in Casablanca. 
• Morocco 3–0 Zambia: Hosts Morocco deliver a dominant victory to top Group A and head into the knockout stage confidently. 

Match Highlights & Key Moments

South Africa 3–2 Zimbabwe 

In one of the day’s most dramatic fixtures in Group B, South Africa edged Zimbabwe 3–2 in Marrakech to seal second place in the group and progression to the Round of 16. South Africa took the lead early, Zimbabwe fought back, but a late penalty ensured a decisive win for the Bafana Bafana. 

Angola 0–0 Egypt 

Egypt wrapped up their group campaign with a goalless draw against Angola, finishing unbeaten at the top of Group B. Despite using a rotating squad, the Pharaohs showed enough defensive resilience to lock down a point. 

Comoros 0–0 Mali 

In Group A, Comoros and Mali played out a 0–0 stalemate, a match defined by strong defending and missed attacking opportunities. Neither side could find the breakthrough, and the shared point affects the final standings. 

Morocco 3–0 Zambia 

Hosts Morocco delivered a convincing 3–0 win over Zambia to top Group A. The Atlas Lions dominated from start to finish, showcasing their attacking firepower and tactical discipline on home soil. 

With a strong goal difference and a perfect finish to their group campaign, Morocco enters the Round of 16 as a team to watch. 

Updated Group Standings After 29 December

Group B:

1. Egypt – 7 pts
2. South Africa – 6 pts
3. Angola – 2 pts
4. Zimbabwe – 1 pt
   
    Group A:

1. Morocco – Qualified as group winners
2. Mali – Await tie-breaker decision
3. Zambia – Await tie-breaker decision
4. Comoros – Finished with 1 point