In one of the most dramatic reversals in African football history, Morocco have been declared champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s victory in the chaotic final played on January 18, 2026.
The ruling, announced late on Tuesday, March 17, strips Senegal of the title and awards Morocco a 3-0 default win, effectively turning a 1-0 extra-time victory for the Teranga Lions into a forfeit.
The Controversial Final
The drama unfolded during the final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat when, during stoppage time of normal play, Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest for 15 minutes after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty. Led by coach Pape Thiaw, the team left the field while fans attempted to storm the pitch in scenes of total chaos.
When play eventually resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz took the spot kick with a slow chip shot known as a “Panenka,” which was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. The match went to extra time, where Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored the only goal, securing what appeared to be Senegal’s second AFCON title in three editions following their 2021 triumph.
However, Morocco’s football federation (FRMF) immediately lodged an appeal, arguing that Senegal’s walkoff constituted a forfeit under tournament regulations.
CAF’s Ruling
CAF’s Appeal Board cited Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, which states that “if, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorization of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition.”
The CAF statement confirmed: “The appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is declared admissible in form and the appeal is upheld. In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.”
Notably, CAF’s initial Disciplinary Board allowed Senegal to keep the title after the final, sanctioning coach Pape Thiaw with a five-match suspension and a fine, but stopped short of overturning the result. The Appeal Board’s decision reverses that earlier ruling.
Morocco’s First Title Since 1976
The verdict awards Morocco its first African title in 50 years, having last won the tournament in 1976 as hosts. For Senegal, it represents a crushing blow, stripped of what would have been their second continental crown and denied the chance to celebrate back-to-back AFCON triumphs within five years.
Additional Sanctions
While upholding Morocco’s appeal on the forfeit, CAF reduced several fines imposed on the host nation for incidents during the final. The fine for ball boys’ conduct was reduced to $50,000, while a $100,000 penalty for interference around the VAR review area was confirmed. Fines related to laser devices used by supporters were reduced to $10,000.
What’s Next?
The Senegal FA have communicated that they will appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) Such processes typically take about a year to reach a verdict—long after both nations compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Senegal has been drawn into a group with France, Norway, and a playoff bracket winner.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously described the scenes during the final as “unacceptable,” adding weight to calls for stricter enforcement of tournament regulations.
The overturned result marks an extraordinary turn in one of AFCON’s most controversial finals, but the story is far from over. Senegal are set to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that could extend well into 2027. Until then, Morocco officially hold the trophy, but the legitimacy of their first AFCON title in 50 years remains in dispute.
