Odegbami: Why Hosts Morocco Should Be Grateful Senegal Won AFCON 2025
Former Nigeria international Segun Odegbami has said Morocco and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) should see Senegal’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as a positive outcome that protected the credibility of the tournament.
Odegbami believes the events surrounding the final in Rabat could have damaged the image of the competition if the hosts had gone on to win. He said Senegal’s triumph helped shield both Morocco and CAF from controversy.
The AFCON 2025 final featured two of Africa’s best teams. Hosts Morocco, Africa’s top-ranked side and 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, were chasing their first AFCON title in 50 years. Senegal, champions in 2021, were hoping to reclaim the trophy they lost at the 2023 edition.
However, the final was marred by controversy late in the match. In injury time, Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul in the build-up. Shortly after, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.
The decision angered the Senegalese players, who felt the earlier disallowed goal was cancelled for a similar offence. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw briefly led his team off the pitch in protest before captain Sadio Mané convinced them to return. Diaz later missed the penalty, the match went into extra time, and Senegal won through a fine goal by Pape Gueye.
Writing in his weekly column, Odegbami said the result helped preserve the integrity of the competition. He stressed that there was no conspiracy involving Morocco or CAF, but blamed poor officiating for the tense moments in the final.
The 1980 AFCON winner said that while Morocco deserved to reach the final, a home victory would have been difficult to defend given the circumstances.
He added that Senegal were slightly the better team on the night and deserved to win the trophy based on their performance. Odegbami also praised Morocco and CAF for their organisation and commitment to fair play, despite the challenges during the tournament.
Odegbami had earlier tipped Nigeria to win the competition after the Super Eagles won their first five matches and scored 14 goals. However, Nigeria lost to Morocco on penalties in the semi-finals before claiming bronze by defeating Egypt on penalties in the third-place play-off.
