Morocco Coach Hails CAF Decision on AFCON Title

Morocco’s newly appointed head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has praised the decision by the Confederation of African Football to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to his side, describing it as justified.

The decision followed a controversial final in Rabat, where Senegal had initially secured a 1–0 victory over Morocco.

However, CAF later reviewed the match after Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest following a late penalty decision in favour of the hosts. Although play resumed and Senegal went on to score in extra time, the governing body ruled against them.

Reacting to the development, Ouahbi welcomed the outcome.

“First of all, I would like to congratulate all Moroccans, the staff, the players and the federation on the good news we got two days ago, which is well-deserved,” he said while unveiling his first squad for upcoming friendlies.

He noted that the ruling had been widely accepted within Morocco.

“This decision pleases everyone,” he added, while stressing the importance of focusing on future competitions. “But it’s important to focus on the present and the future. My goal is to make the team competitive for the World Cup.”

The decision has, however, been contested by Senegal’s football authorities, who have indicated plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Morocco, which reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is set to compete in Group C of the upcoming tournament alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, as preparations intensify under the new coaching leadership.