Morocco honoured for sportsmanship despite chaos in AFCON final

Morocco were named the Fair Play Team of the 35th edition of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, held from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco, by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for their sportsmanship and discipline throughout the tournament.

The Atlas Lions showed respect for opponents and match officials, as well as commitment to clean, competitive football on and off the pitch.

Article 8 of Chapter 4 of the CAF Regulations for the Africa Cup of Nations clearly states that “a Fair Play trophy is awarded to the team that shows the best fair-play spirit during the final phase of the tournament, in line with CAF’s fair-play regulations.”

This decision also came after a chaotic final, when referee Jean Jacques Ndala disallowed a Senegal goal, prompting head coach Pape Thiaw to take his team off the pitch temporarily.

Chaos also erupted in the stands, as some Senegalese fans tried to enter the field of play and became involved in fighting with security personnel, while others were taken away by officials.

Senegal refused to continue playing after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match still goalless.

The incident also came after other nations accused Morocco of using gamesmanship throughout the tournament.

Even FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemned “some Senegal players” for the “unacceptable scenes” which overshadowed their victory, stressing that “it is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner.”

Despite the dramatic final and Morocco’s 1–0 loss to Senegal, the Atlas Lions still dominated the awards.

Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz won the Golden Boot after scoring five goals in the tournament and received the trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was named the tournament’s best keeper after conceding just two goals, including one in the final, and was presented with the award by Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).