AFCON final overturned as Sunderland’s Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi face new outcome | OneFootball

Morocco have been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions after CAF overturned the 2025 final, ruling Senegal forfeited following a walk-off. The decision directly affects Sunderland pair Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra.

According to Sunderland Echo, the 18 January final had initially ended 1-0 to Senegal after extra time following late controversy over a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Head coach Pape Thiaw led Senegal off the pitch in protest, prompting a delay of around 17 minutes before they returned. Diaz’s kick was saved by Edouard Mendy and the referee then signalled full-time.

In extra time, Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye scored, seemingly securing the title for Senegal. That result has been reversed after a Moroccan federation appeal, with CAF’s appeals board recording the match as a forfeit and the official result as 3-0 to Morocco.

Morocco’s federation framed its appeal as an effort to ensure the competition rules were applied correctly rather than to diminish on-field performances. The Senegalese federation has condemned the verdict and will challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Reactions have continued across the game, with some Senegal players appearing to mock the ruling on social media. Talbi will now be officially recognised as part of the Morocco squad that won the tournament, while Diarra and Senegal face the prospect of their triumph being removed from the record pending the appeal’s outcome.

Source: Sunderland Echo