Confederation of African Football has declared Morocco winners of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after upholding an appeal that overturned Senegal’s victory in the final.
Senegal were judged to have forfeited the match, played in Rabat on January 18, after walking off the pitch in protest at a late penalty decision. Although they returned 14 minutes later and went on to win 1-0 in extra time through Pape Gueye, CAF’s Appeal Board has now awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.
The ruling adds to the controversy surrounding the final, which was marred by disorder on and off the pitch, prompting CAF to acknowledge damage to the reputation of African football.
Senegal to challenge decision
The Senegalese Football Federation said it will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow criticised the verdict, saying:
«This is a travesty; this decision is based on absolutely nothing. It has no legal foundation.
“We will not back down. Senegalese people should have no doubt. The truth is on Senegal’s side, the law is on Senegal’s side.»
CAF’s ruling means Morocco claim the continental title for only the second time, 50 years after their first triumph. The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the outcome, stating that its appeal was aimed at ensuring competition rules were properly enforced and reaffirming its commitment to regulatory clarity and fairness.
Rules and sanctions explained
According to CAF regulations, any team that refuses to continue a match or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is deemed to have lost. The Appeal Board determined Senegal’s actions fell within these provisions.
The incident followed a VAR-reviewed penalty awarded by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala late in stoppage time, which sparked protests from Senegal’s players and coaching staff. Head coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, who was later fined $100,000 and suspended, instructed his team to leave the pitch.
They eventually returned, urged by Sadio Mane, but Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty, sending the match into extra time where Senegal initially secured victory.
CAF also confirmed that a $100,000 fine imposed on Morocco will stand over attempts by players and officials to interfere with the VAR process. However, a separate fine against Moroccan forward Ismael Saibari has been scrapped, while his suspension has been reduced from three matches to one.
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