The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations produced the most extraordinary ending in the tournament’s history, and its aftershocks are still being felt.
Senegal appeared to have won the trophy on the pitch, beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in Rabat on 18th January through Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal. But the final descended into chaos when a late VAR penalty awarded to Morocco prompted Senegal’s players to leave the field in protest for around 15 minutes before the game resumed.
In March, the Confederation of African Football’s appeal board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final by walking off, recording the result as a 3-0 win for Morocco. The verdict handed the Atlas Lions their first continental title since 1976 and stripped Senegal of what would have been a second crown in three editions. Senegal have said they will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, so the saga may yet have another chapter.
How the 2025 tournament unfolded
Morocco justified their status as pre-tournament favourites on home soil. They opened with a 2-0 win over Comoros, came through a tense knockout run and beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the semi-finals to reach a first AFCON final since 2004, with Yassine Bounou saving twice in the shootout.
Senegal reached the final by edging Egypt 1-0 in the other semi. Their run confirmed their status as one of the continent’s powerhouses, even if the ending was one no one could have scripted.
Despite the eventual ruling, the fallout was heavy on both sides. CAF issued fines and suspensions to players and officials from both federations, and Morocco boss Walid Regragui left his post after the tournament.
When is the next AFCON?
The next edition of the tournament is scheduled for 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda set to co-host. It will be the first AFCON staged in East Africa since 1976, and both Morocco and Senegal will expect to be among the favourites once again after strong showings at this summer’s World Cup.
AFCON 2027 winner odds
Bookmakers had not priced up the 2027 AFCON outright market at the time of writing. The latest winner odds will appear here as soon as the market opens, likely once qualifying takes shape.
You have to be 18+ to gamble. UK only. All odds within this article are accurate at the time of writing. GambleAware.
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