CAF President Acknowledges Major Success of AFCON 2025 in Morocco Despite Chaotic Final
Dr Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has publicly acknowledged the significant success of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosted by Morocco, even as the tournament was marred by ugly incidents during the final match between Senegal and Morocco on January 18, 2026. The South African billionaire and football administrator is currently on a diplomatic mission to unite the nations involved, having visited and addressed the media in both Dakar, Senegal, and Rabat, Morocco, in an effort to ease tensions.
Senegal's Victory Overshadowed by Controversy and Sanctions
Senegal clinched the AFCON 2025 title with a lone goal from Pape Gueye in extra time, but the aftermath of the final has plunged African football into chaos. During the match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, the Teranga Lions briefly walked off the pitch in protest after referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco in the closing minutes. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to leave, but Sadio Mane intervened to call his teammates to order before Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, sending the game to extra time where Gueye scored the decisive goal.
In response to the incidents, CAF sanctioned both countries. However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) appealed the decision, leading CAF to strip Senegal of the title and award Morocco a 3-0 walkover victory. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in an attempt to overturn CAF's ruling and retain their status as rightful winners, highlighting the ongoing legal and diplomatic disputes.
Motsepe's Diplomatic Mission and Praise for Morocco
President Motsepe embarked on his trip to Senegal on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, followed by a visit to Morocco, aiming to mitigate tensions between the two nations. Speaking to the media in Morocco, similar to his address in Dakar the previous day, Motsepe emphasized the overall success of AFCON 2025 despite the controversies. He praised Morocco for its exceptional hosting capabilities, noting the high standards of security, logistics, airports, hotels, football pitches, and hospitals throughout the tournament.
"Despite the challenges in the final, the 2025 AFCON was the most successful tournament. The warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan people made me extremely proud, where everyone was amazed at how Morocco welcomed them with so much love," Motsepe told CAF TV. He extended personal gratitude to FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa for his outstanding work as both FA President and CAF 1st Vice President, and thanked His Majesty the King of Morocco and the Moroccan people for their contributions.
Sovereign Issues and Ongoing Tensions
Amidst the praise, Motsepe addressed sensitive issues, including the arrest of some Senegalese fans during the final who remain held in Morocco. He refrained from intervening in these matters, stating that they fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of the involved nations. "CAF respects the legal sovereignty and judicial processes of all nations in Africa. I have been advised that discussions on this matter should take place directly between the governments of Senegal and Morocco," he added, underscoring the diplomatic complexities surrounding the event.
Prior to Motsepe's trip, CAF released a statement confirming his itinerary, which included meetings with FRMF President Fouzi Lekjaa and a press conference in Morocco. This proactive approach by CAF aims to foster dialogue and resolution in the wake of the AFCON 2025 final's disruptions, as African football seeks to move forward from this contentious chapter.
