The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded the trophy to Morocco following a dramatic and controversial final.
In a statement released by the CAF, ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after their players walked off the pitch during a dispute over a late refereeing decision.
“The Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the match,” CAF stated. “The result is officially recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco.”
The decision overturns Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory secured in January, handing Morocco the continental crown under disciplinary regulations.
The controversy erupted in the closing moments of normal time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty after a VAR review. The decision triggered protests from Senegal’s players, several of whom left the pitch, causing a delay of nearly 20 minutes.
Tensions escalated further as some Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch, throwing objects before security forces intervened.
Despite the disruption, play eventually resumed, with Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missing the penalty. Senegal capitalised on the momentum shift, as Pape Gueye scored in extra time to seal what was initially a historic win.
However, CAF’s disciplinary ruling has now nullified that result.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) welcomed the decision, stressing that their protest was rooted in ensuring adherence to the rules.
“Our action was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams,” the FRMF said. “It was solely to request the application of the competition regulations.”
The final, played before a packed crowd of over 66,000 spectators, had already been overshadowed by contentious officiating decisions.
Earlier, Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul, adding to frustrations that boiled over after the late penalty call.
Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the decisive spot-kick following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz, a decision that sparked outrage among Senegal players and fans alike.
Although goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, the fallout from the protest and subsequent walk-off ultimately proved costly.
CAF’s ruling brings a dramatic end to one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history, with Morocco now officially crowned champions and Senegal stripped of their title.
