CAN 2025: "It's sad especially for Moroccan football", Benatia reflects on controversial final between Morocco and Senegal

Benatia criticises the controversial CAN 2025 final decision, saying Morocco's walkover win over Senegal will never have the same value regardless of the Court of Arbitration for Sport's November ruling.

Medhi Benatia has weighed in on the disputed CAN 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal, which Morocco won by walkover in March after initially losing on the pitch in January. The controversy stemmed from Senegal's players leaving the field to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, a breach of tournament regulations.

Benatia, a former Morocco international with 66 caps, blamed the match delegate and referees for not addressing the situation in the moment. "When you decide to come back and play and finish the match, it means you accepted what happened," he said.

Benatia expressed frustration that even if Morocco's title is confirmed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport—which will rule at the end of November—the victory will lack legitimacy. "It will never have the same flavour," he stated. "It's sad especially for Moroccan football.

It seems like this only happens in Africa. That's my biggest frustration." During the match, Brahim Diaz missed the controversial penalty in extra time, while Pape Gueye scored Senegal's only goal.