CAF President Patrice Motsepe Declares AFCON 2025 In Morocco Most Successful

The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has described the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as the most successful edition in the competition’s history.

Addressing journalists after a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam earlier today, February 13, Motsepe was generous in his praise for host nation Morocco. He singled out Mohammed VI, the Moroccan government and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for what he called an exceptional tournament.

“Our deep gratitude to the people of Morocco, their government, and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation for hosting the most successful AFCON in the history of this competition,” he said.

“Thank you for the infrastructure, the stadiums, and the love that was shown by the people of Morocco to all our football lovers from all over the world.”

Naija News reports that the AFCON 2025 took place from December 2025 and January 2026. Modernised venues and fiercely competitive matches across all 24 participating nations drew praises from both international and local media.

The final of the tournament took place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on 18 January 2026.

Weeks after the tournament, Motsepe told reporters that the Moroccan success story offers encouragement to the next hosts, with the 2027 tournament set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

“The success of AFCON in Morocco is a wonderful foundation on which to build and provide huge inspiration for AFCON next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda,” Motsepe said.

He also applauded all 24 teams for raising the standard of African football, reserving special praise for champions Senegal, who underlined their pedigree with a gritty triumph.

Yet the final itself descended into controversy. With Morocco and Senegal deadlocked at 0-0 in stoppage time, Senegal thought they had snatched it through Ismaïla Sarr, only for VAR to rule the effort out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.

Tempers flared further when a penalty was awarded to Morocco following a challenge on Brahim Díaz, prompting Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, to briefly leave the pitch.

“I was extremely disappointed with what took place at the final. Very embarrassing. That should never happen again. It will never happen again. It’s a blemish on the outstanding AFCON we had,” Motsepe said.

After a tense pause and intervention from captain Sadio Mané, order was restored. Édouard Mendy saved Díaz’s spot-kick before Pape Gueye struck in extra time to seal a 1-0 victory and another AFCON title for Senegal.