Insights from Afcon 2025
Unforgettable Conclusion to the Tournament
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will be remembered for its dramatic conclusion. Chaos ensued at the final’s end when a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco led to Senegal’s unplanned exit from the field, causing a significant delay exceeding 16 minutes before Brahim Diaz’s Panenka attempt was thwarted. Morocco’s coach Walid Regragui condemned the incident, labeling it “shameful,” and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to disclose any penalties.
However, Senegal’s ultimate victory should not overshadow the fact that this tournament was largely well-organized, with a record total of 121 goals scored throughout the competition. BBC Sport Africa examines other noteworthy outcomes from nearly a month of action in Morocco.
Exceptional Infrastructure
Morocco has undoubtedly showcased its high-quality infrastructure, services, and stadiums, particularly the standout Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the capital. The tournament served as a stepping stone toward co-hosting the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.
Benefitting from substantial investment in recent years, King Mohammed VI expressed satisfaction with the country’s infrastructure and its notable readiness. Future enhancements are on the horizon, with renovations scheduled for Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, as well as venues in Fes, Marrakesh, and Agadir, while construction on a new 115,000-seat stadium near Benslimane is ongoing.
Pitches maintained good condition even during heavy rain, which has historically posed challenges for Afcon hosts. Omar Khyari from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation stated, “We are very pleased with our technology,” highlighting that it showcases Africa’s capabilities on a global stage. East African media teams expressed admiration for Morocco’s execution, raising doubts about the future ability of co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to replicate such a standard.
Hussein Mohammed, president of the Kenyan football federation, acknowledged Morocco’s “new standard” but indicated ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure for the 2027 Cup. The final dates for that tournament are yet to be revealed by CAF.
Financial Gains on the Rise
CAF reported a substantial growth in revenue generated by Afcon, up by 90%. Ticket sales surged from $11 million during the 2023 tournament in Ivory Coast to $55 million in Morocco. The number of sponsors and business partners expanded to 23, with the finals’ visibility enhanced through improved social media engagement.
CAF anticipated a net profit exceeding $114 million from this edition, a leap from the previous two years’ $75 million. Given these figures and heightened visibility, questions arise regarding CAF’s upcoming switch to quadrennial Afcon hosting starting in 2028 and the prospects for generating similar success outside of Morocco, which is also slated to host its third consecutive Women’s Nations Cup.
Asisat Oshoala, a prominent player for Nigeria’s women’s team, recently referred to Morocco as the “new headquarters” of African football, expressing that the recurrent visits were becoming “boring.” The pressing question remains: can CAF afford not to continue this trend?
Concerns Over Officiating
Regrettably, officiating standards frequently came under scrutiny during the tournament. Morocco’s coach Regragui dismissed conspiracy theories speculating favoritism toward the home team prior to their semi-final match against Nigeria.
The final saw referee Jean-Jacques Ndala officiate effectively until late in the game, where events spiraled out of control. His decision to halt play for a challenge before a Senegal goal contributed to feelings of injustice that resulted in their exit following Morocco’s penalty call.
The application of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology also faced criticism, particularly due to delays and questionable penalty decisions, alongside the absence of semi-automated offside technology despite Morocco’s investments in sports facilities.
Addressing Security and Crowd Management
Senegal’s football federation raised pressing concerns about inadequate security for their squad’s arrival in Rabat, which led to the players being overwhelmed by crowds. Tensions escalated inside the stadium after Morocco was awarded the disputed penalty, resulting in clashes between Teranga Lions fans and security staff.
Additionally, incidents of fans experiencing crushes and being confined to tight areas were observed by BBC Sport Africa. While crowd control is an issue seen across many football events globally, the FSF noted that they received significantly fewer than the 4,000 tickets allocated for a 69,500-capacity stadium at the final.
Moving forward, it remains unclear if CAF will address the gamesmanship evident during the final, particularly activities like Moroccan ballboys attempting to snatch towels from Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.
Need for Regulatory Revisions
CAF must consider revising its rules surrounding player bookings in knockout phases, having erased all yellow cards post-group stage. This policy put 20 players at risk of suspension for the final, which included Senegal’s captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra.
While discipline is crucial, all parties involved in football desire to see the best possible teams on the field during significant matches. Additionally, the system that nearly resulted in the drawing of lots to break ties in group standings should be reviewed; such occurrences have previously created complications during tournaments.
While a drawing might ignite excitement for spectators, prioritizing fair play metrics or an attacking statistic would likely be more favorable for the teams affected.
