Morocco Crowned African Champions After Senegal Stripped of AFCON Title

Morocco has been officially declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory in a controversial final held on January 18, 2026. The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, stems from Senegal’s protest during the match, which CAF has deemed a forfeit.

Senegal’s Protest and CAF’s Ruling

The dramatic events unfolded in the final moments of the match in Rabat, Morocco. During stoppage time, a penalty was awarded to Morocco, prompting Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, to walk off the field in protest. After a 15-minute delay, and attempts by fans to storm the field, play resumed, but Senegal’s subsequent extra-time goal was ultimately nullified by CAF’s ruling.

CAF stated that Senegal “lost by forfeit” the final game, with the result now officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco ESPN. This marks Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976.

Senegal’s Response and Appeal

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has strongly condemned the decision, calling it a “disgraceful” act that “discredits African football” ESPN. The FSF has announced its intention to appeal the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, a process that is expected to seize approximately a year to resolve NBC Sports.

Details of the Controversial Final

The match was already fraught with tension when a potential Senegal goal was disallowed in the second minute of stoppage time due to a foul, despite television replays suggesting minimal contact ESPN. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz then attempted a “Panenka” penalty, which was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal ultimately won the match 1-0 in extra time, a result now erased by CAF’s decision.

Additional Penalties

In addition to the forfeiture of the title, Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, has been suspended for five games, and both federations have been subjected to monetary penalties ESPN.

Morocco’s Federation Responds

The Moroccan Federation stated it “takes note of the decision” and emphasized that its appeal was not intended to challenge the sporting performance of either team, but rather to ensure the application of competition regulations ESPN. The federation reaffirmed its commitment to the rules and stability of African competitions.

Sources: ESPN, NBC Sports, Goal.com, Reuters