Morocco Awarded AFCON Title After Appeal Over Senegal Final Walkout

CAF

Morocco has been awarded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following a dramatic ruling by the Confederation of African Football appeals board, which overturned Senegal’s victory in a controversial January final. In a statement released Tuesday, CAF confirmed that Senegal had been “declared to have forfeited the final,” converting their 1-0 extra-time win into a 3-0 result in favour of host nation Morocco.

The decision stems from chaotic scenes during the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, temporarily left the pitch in protest during stoppage time. The disruption lasted approximately 15 minutes and was compounded by fans attempting to invade the field.

The protest followed a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco late in the match, a decision that appeared likely to determine the outcome. When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Díaz attempted a “Panenka” penalty, a chipped shot down the centre, which was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal went on to score the decisive goal in extra time, initially securing what appeared to be a historic victory.

However, tensions had already escalated moments earlier when Senegal had a goal disallowed for an alleged foul by defender Abdoulaye Seck on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi. Television replays suggested minimal contact, fuelling further controversy.

At the time, CAF’s disciplinary panel imposed fines exceeding $1 million and handed out suspensions to players and officials from both teams, but allowed the result to stand. The appeals board, however, cited Article 82 of AFCON tournament regulations, which states that any team that refuses to play or leaves the field without the referee’s approval forfeits the match.

CAF ruled that Senegal’s temporary walkout constituted a breach of this rule, warranting forfeiture. The decision is expected to spark further legal action, with the case potentially heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Morocco Awarded AFCON CAF Overturns Senegal Final Win