African football – and the reputation of its Cup of Nations – was on a high after the 2023 tournament.

The event provided high-quality football, excellent atmospheres and an amazing comeback story, with hosts Ivory Coast winning the trophy despite losing their two opening matches.

Everything seemed set for the 2025 competition in Morocco to build on that success, with modern, state-of-the-art stadiums, passionate home fans and record-breaking numbers of travelling supporters.

It did deliver more goals and a bigger worldwide audience than ever before, but all it will now be remembered for is a chaotic final that ended with Senegal beating Morocco and – two months later – a decision to overturn its outcome.

One fan called it the longest VAR check in history.

Here, with the help of BBC journalists and pundits, we look at what has happened and what comes next…

Credit: BBC