In a dramatic and unexpected ruling on Tuesday, Morocco was awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory from January’s chaotic final.
CAF’s appeals board determined that Senegal had effectively forfeited the match, converting its 1–0 extra-time win into a 3–0 default victory for host nation Morocco.
Senegal has since announced plans to challenge the decision, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, which handles international sports disputes.
The controversy stems from the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the field for 15 minutes during stoppage time in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco. The situation escalated as fans attempted to storm the pitch.
When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the decisive penalty — a softly chipped “Panenka” effort saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal later scored the only goal in extra time to secure what was initially seen as victory.
Tensions had already been high after Senegal was denied a goal moments earlier. In stoppage time, a potential go-ahead goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, though replays showed minimal contact with Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.
Senegal eventually returned to the field, reportedly after encouragement from star forward Sadio Mané, and completed the match.
Initially, CAF fined both teams over $1 million for misconduct but allowed the result to stand. However, the appeals board later invoked Article 82 of the tournament regulations, which states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s approval is considered to have lost.
The decision has sparked outrage in Senegal. Football federation secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow called it a “shame for Africa” and vowed to appeal, arguing that the ruling lacks legal basis.
Senegal players also reacted angrily on social media. Defender Moussa Niakhaté posted a photo holding the trophy with the caption, “Come and get it! They’re crazy!” while teammate El Hadj Malick Diouf wrote, “This isn’t going anywhere.”
The ruling grants Morocco its first AFCON title since 1976 and denies Senegal what would have been its second championship in three tournaments.
Any appeal to CAS could take up to a year — likely after both teams have already competed in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Senegal has been drawn in a group with France, Norway, and a playoff winner, possibly Iraq, while Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti.
Morocco heads into the World Cup following a historic 2022 run in Qatar, where it became the first African team to reach the semifinals under coach Walid Regragui, who recently stepped down amid criticism after failing to win AFCON.
Unless Senegal’s appeal succeeds, Morocco will enter the World Cup as Africa’s reigning champion.
