Morocco’s newly appointed head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has applauded the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco, describing the move as “well-deserved.”
CAF’s ruling followed a dramatic final in Rabat, where Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy after Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to the hosts.
Although captain Sadio Mane eventually persuaded his teammates to return, Morocco missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye went on to score the decisive goal in extra time.
Reacting during the unveiling of his first squad for upcoming friendlies, Ouahbi congratulated Moroccan players, officials, and fans, stating that the decision had brought satisfaction across the country.
“This decision pleases everyone,” he said, while also stressing the need for the team to remain focused on future challenges, particularly preparations for the FIFA World Cup.
The Moroccan Football Federation welcomed CAF’s verdict, citing it as a demonstration of respect for the rules.
However, the Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision and announced plans to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, describing the ruling as unjust.
Earlier disciplinary measures by CAF had included hefty fines against both teams for unsportsmanlike conduct, though the initial match result was not overturned at the time.
Morocco, which reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup under former coach Walid Regragui, will compete in Group C at the upcoming tournament alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, as they aim to build on their recent success.
