Veteran French coach Claude Le Roy has named Morocco as the best-performing team at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite the Atlas Lions falling short in the final.
Morocco’s hopes of ending a 50-year wait for an AFCON title were dashed after a narrow defeat to Senegal in a dramatic final played at the Prince Moulay Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026.
Midfielder Pape Gueye proved decisive for the Teranga Lions, scoring the winning goal in extra time, after Brahim Díaz missed a crucial penalty for Morocco during regulation time.
The final was marred by controversy, with Senegalese players briefly walking off the pitch in protest following the late penalty awarded to the hosts. Captain Sadio Mané intervened, convincing his teammates to return and resume play a decision that ultimately paid dividends.
Despite Senegal lifting the trophy, Le Roy believes Morocco were the standout side of the tournament.
Speaking to Canal Africa, the 77-year-old tactician praised the Atlas Lions’ overall performance, attributing their final defeat partly to fatigue.
According to Le Roy, Morocco’s gruelling semi-final against Nigeria, which went into extra time, took a toll on the team and affected their sharpness in the final against Senegal.
Le Roy, one of Africa’s most experienced coaches, has enjoyed a distinguished career on the continent, having managed Cameroon, Senegal, DR Congo, Ghana, Congo, and Togo, leaving a lasting legacy in African football.
