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Morocco midfielder Brahim Diaz has issued an apology to his compatriots following his missed penalty in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final against Senegal. With the score locked at 0–0 late in the game, Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty, which was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal later went on to secure victory in extra time. The 24-year-old took to his X account on Monday to accept full responsibility for the miss, admitting that he had failed to deliver for Moroccan fans and acknowledging the pain of losing the trophy. In an emotional message, Diaz expressed his disappointment and apologised to supporters for the costly miss. “My soul hurts. I dreamed of winning this title because of all the love and support you showed me. Every message an...

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have climbed to 26th position in the latest FIFA World Ranking released on Monday, making a remarkable 12-place jump following their impressive performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The national team moved up from 38th place after securing a third-place finish at the continental tournament, a result that significantly boosted their global standing. Nigeria’s bronze medal outing at AFCON 2025 stands out as one of the team’s most solid performances in recent years and has contributed greatly to the sharp rise in the rankings. The improvement reflects the Super Eagles’ strong results against tough opponents during the competition, as well as their overall positive form in recent international matches. With the latest update, Niger...

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has criticised the actions of some Senegalese players, supporters, and members of the technical crew over what he described as “unacceptable scenes” that overshadowed Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final. In a statement sent to AFP, Infantino condemned the decision of several Senegal players to walk off the pitch in protest after a penalty was awarded to Morocco late in the match. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some supporters, as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff. Leaving the field of play in this manner is unacceptable,” Infantino said, adding that violence has no place in football. The AFCON final was disrupted deep into injury time with the score level at 0–0, when Morocco were awarded a penalty following a VAR review fo...

The Confederation of African Football has condemned behaviour by some players and officials during the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between hosts Morocco and Senegal in Rabat on Sunday night. CAF issued its position in a statement posted on its website on Monday. “The Confédération Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour of some players and officials during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night,” the statement read. The continental football body said it strongly condemns any form of inappropriate conduct during matches, particularly actions direct CAF also disclosed that it was reviewing all available footage from the final and would refer the matter to the appropriate bodies ...

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Ibrahim Gusau, has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles will go on to achieve greater success under head coach Éric Chelle following their impressive outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Entertainment center Gusau said the national team has turned a corner after the disappointment of missing consecutive FIFA World Cups, pointing to their strong performances in Morocco where they finished third and won bronze medals. He expressed satisfaction with the team’s display at the tournament, noting that while the ultimate goal was not achieved, the overall performance was encouraging. “Actually, when we landed in Morocco towards the end of last year, our objective was to win the AFCON trophy and be the champions of Africa. To...

Senegal captain Sadio Mané has been named the Best Player of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after leading the Teranga Lions to a hard-fought title victory on home soil of the hosts, Morocco. Mané claimed the Golden Ball following Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win over Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, a result that secured Senegal’s second AFCON crown. The 33-year-old forward registered two goals and three assists in seven appearances and was presented the award by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. The Al Nassr star also drew praise for his leadership in the tense final, notably persuading his teammates to return to the pitch amid disruptions before Pape Gueye scored the decisive extra-time goal. While Senegal lifted the trophy, Morocco dominated several individu...

Senegal were crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night after defeating hosts Morocco 1–0 after extra time in the final played in Rabat. The decisive goal was scored by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute after a tense contest that ended goalless in regulation time. The final was marked by prolonged stoppages following a late VAR-reviewed penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed by Brahim Diaz after a save by Senegal goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy. Despite late pressure from the hosts, Senegal held on to secure the title, bringing the tournament to a dramatic close. Following the final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) released the full list of winners and individual award recipients. AFCON 2025 Full Winners List Champions: Senegal ...

Senegal forward, Sadio Mane has suggested why he told his teammates to come back to the pitch and continue playing against Morocco during both sides’ AFCON final on Sunday night. Recall that Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after 120 minutes to win the AFCON. Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the match in the first half of extra time as Senegal lifted their second AFCON trophy. But the match was paused towards the end of the second half after the referee awarded the Atlas Lions a late penalty following a foul on Brahim Diaz. But the whole Senegalese team was not pleased with the decision of the referee and decided to walk out from the pitch. Mane was later captured by the camera, calling his teammates back to the pitch to continue play against the AFCON host nation. Speaking...

In a final destined to be remembered as one of the most dramatic and controversial in football history, Senegal has been crowned the champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Lions of Teranga defeated the host nation, Morocco, with a 1–0 victory in extra time on Sunday night, securing their second continental title and a record-breaking $10 million grand prize Extra Time Heroics After 90 minutes of high-tension, goalless football, the breakthrough finally came in the 94th minute. Midfielder Pape Gueye silenced the 66,000-strong crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium with a thunderous left-footed strike from 20 yards out that flew into the top corner. Despite a late surge from the Atlas Lions, including a header from N...

Ghanaian referee, Daniel Laryea, has admitted he was nervous before the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match between Morocco and Nigeria. Laryea revealed this while speaking to reporters after arriving at Accra Airport. He also denied favouring the host country during the game. Morocco beat Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after the game finished 0-0 in 120 minutes. Laryea said, “I’ve been to three AFCON tournaments, but this is the first time I’ve been in a semi-final. “So when coaches choose you for that game, they know your skills and what you can do. “But of course, you feel a little nervous because of the level of the match.” https://twitter.com/i/status/2012784261015744721