Morocco Awarded AFCON Title After CAF Overturns Senegal Victory
Morocco have been officially declared winners of the Africa Cup of Nations after Senegal were stripped of their title following a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
In a decision announced on Tuesday, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final after their players walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco. The governing body determined that the action constituted a breach of tournament regulations, despite the match later being completed.
The final, played in Rabat on 18 January, descended into chaos in its closing stages. With the score level, Morocco were awarded a penalty in stoppage time — a decision that sparked immediate protests from Senegal’s players. Led by head coach Pape Thiaw, the team left the pitch for approximately 15 minutes while tensions escalated and security struggled to maintain control.
Following discussions and appeals from match officials, the Senegal players eventually returned to resume the game.
Morocco international Brahim Díaz, who plays for Real Madrid, stepped up to take the decisive penalty. However, his attempted “Panenka” effort was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, keeping Senegal in the match.
The game then proceeded to extra time, where Senegal appeared to secure victory with a goal from Pape Gueye, sealing a 1–0 win on the pitch.
However, the result was later challenged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), who argued that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal from the field violated Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations.
After reviewing the case, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled in Morocco’s favour, concluding that Senegal’s actions amounted to a forfeiture of the match. Under tournament rules, the final has now been officially recorded as a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
The ruling has sparked widespread debate across the football world, with questions raised over both the referee’s initial decision and the severity of the disciplinary outcome. While Morocco are now formally recognised as champions, the controversy surrounding the final is likely to remain a major talking point.
