The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) was a tournament of contrasts, showcasing both the progress and challenges faced by African football. While the host nation, Morocco, delivered outstanding infrastructure and facilities, the tournament was marred by controversial officiating and crowd control issues.
The final between Senegal and Morocco was a case in point. The match was overshadowed by chaotic scenes after the awarding of a late penalty to Morocco, leading to a 16-minute delay and a walkout by the Senegalese team. Walid Regragui, the Atlas Lions’ manager, described the incident as “shameful,” and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is yet to announce any sanctions.
However, the tournament was not solely defined by this controversy. The record-breaking 121 goals scored during the competition demonstrated the high level of talent on display. Morocco’s world-class infrastructure, including the state-of-the-art Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, showcased the country’s readiness to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal.
Financially, Afcon has also seen significant improvements. CAF reports a 90% increase in revenue, with ticket sales rising from $11 million in the 2023 edition to $55 million in Morocco. The organisation has also increased the number of sponsors and major partners to 23, while improving the social media coverage of the final.
Yet, the tournament was not without its challenges. Officiating standards were regularly called into question, with several questionable decisions and lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) reviews. The lack of semi-automated offside technology was also a notable absence, given Morocco’s significant investment in infrastructure.
Crowd control issues were another concern, with Senegal’s football federation raising legitimate concerns over the lack of security when their squad arrived in Rabat. The clashes between Senegalese fans and security personnel after the controversial penalty award were also troubling.
As the African football community looks ahead to the 2027 Afcon, hosted by a trio of East African nations, CAF must address these issues to ensure a more seamless and fair tournament. Revisions to the yellow card system, which saw several key players miss the final, and a review of the drawing of lots procedure, could help improve the overall experience.
The 2025 Afcon has undoubtedly set a new standard for the tournament, but there is still work to be done to ensure the continued growth and development of African football. With the right improvements, the next edition can build on the successes and address the shortcomings witnessed in Morocco.