CAF president hails Morocco’s AFCON as most successful ever
Patrice Motsepe, president of CAF, has described the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco as the most successful edition in the tournament’s history. He praised Morocco’s government, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, and the Moroccan people for their exceptional hospitality and organisation. Motsepe also commended the 24 participating nations and gave special recognition to Senegal for winning the championship. However, he expressed disappointment over the controversial ending of the final match on January 18, 2026.
Match highlights
- The tournament took place between December 2025 and January 2026 in Morocco, with upgraded stadiums and high competitiveness.
- Patrice Motsepe extended gratitude to Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, the government, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for their role in hosting.
- The final on January 18, 2026, saw Senegal defeat Morocco 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the winning goal.
- The match was marred by controversy, including a disallowed goal, a contentious penalty, and a 15-minute stoppage due to protests and unrest.
- Motsepe called the final’s chaotic ending “very embarrassing” but praised the overall success and inspiration for the next AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2026.
