AFCON 2025: Morocco's Title, a Disputed Final, and Brahim Diaz's Golden Boot
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco ended in an extraordinary way: Senegal won the final on the pitch, but CAF later awarded Morocco the title. A calm look at a dramatic tournament.
As a lifelong follower of African football, I always look forward to the Africa Cup of Nations, and the 2025 edition gave us plenty to talk about. Held in Morocco, it delivered drama both on and off the pitch, ending in one of the most unusual finals in the tournament's history. It is a story worth telling calmly, separating the football from the controversy.
A tournament on home soil
Morocco hosted the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with the final played on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. For the host nation, reaching the final in front of its own fans was already a significant achievement. African football has grown enormously in recent years, and a well-organised tournament on the continent is always a source of pride for supporters everywhere.
A final like no other
The final itself took a remarkable turn. On the pitch, Senegal beat Morocco 1-0. But in March 2026, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after temporarily leaving the pitch in protest of a refereeing decision. Under the competition's regulations, the final was awarded as a 3-0 win for Morocco, who were declared champions. It was an ending few could have predicted.
Diaz and the Golden Boot
Amid all the debate, one individual honour stood out. Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid forward representing Morocco, claimed the Golden Boot as the tournament's top scorer, netting five goals in seven matches. Individual awards like this are a reminder that, beyond the results and rulings, the competition still showcased genuine talent and moments of real quality on the field.
What it means for the continent
However one views the final, the tournament underlined how competitive African football has become. Nations like Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria continue to produce players who shine at the very top level of the global game. For younger fans across the continent, including in my own Ghana, these tournaments are more than sport; they are a shared experience that brings people together every couple of years.
My measured take
I try to hold two things at once: appreciation for the football and honesty about its messy conclusion. A title decided partly in a committee room rather than purely on the pitch will always feel unsatisfying to some. Yet the passion, the talent, and the sense of occasion were undeniable. The real hope is that future tournaments are remembered for the play itself, not for the disputes that surround them.
