Morocco Crowned AFCON Champions After Senegal Stripped of Title

Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory, a decision stemming from a controversial protest during the final match in January. The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after its players left the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The Controversial Final and Subsequent Appeal

The dramatic turn of events follows a chaotic AFCON final held on January 18, 2026, in Rabat. 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 for approximately 15 minutes. Fans reportedly attempted to enter the pitch during the disruption. When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, and Senegal ultimately won the match 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye.

Morocco formally appealed the decision, arguing that Senegal’s actions violated CAF regulations. After reviewing the appeal, the CAF Appeal Board determined that Senegal had forfeited the match, effectively reversing the result to a 3-0 victory for Morocco. The ruling cites Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which penalize teams that refuse to play or abandon the field without referee authorization. News24, Reuters, and ESPN all reported on the decision.

Senegal’s Response and Planned Appeal

Senegal’s Football Federation has condemned the decision as unjust and has announced its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). News24 reports that Senegal plans to formally lodge an appeal with CAS, a Switzerland-based independent body that resolves sports-related disputes.

Impact on Players and Morocco’s Celebration

The ruling impacts several prominent Senegalese players, including Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye, and Ismaila Sarr, who will no longer be recognized as AFCON champions. Conversely, Moroccan players such as Noussair Mazraoui and Achraf Hakimi can now celebrate a belated triumph. Morocco is celebrating its second AFCON title.

The Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the verdict, stating its approach was solely to request the application of competition regulations and reaffirming its commitment to respecting the rules of African competitions. News24

Additional Disciplinary Action

In addition to the overturning of the match result, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has been handed a five-match ban over his role in the walk-off. ESPN