Morocco Crowned AFCON Champions After CAF Overturns Senegal Victory

Morocco have been officially crowned winners of the Africa Cup of Nations after a dramatic ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the final.

CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after players temporarily walked off the pitch during the final, citing a breach of tournament regulations. As a result, Morocco have been awarded a 3-0 win.

The final, held on January 18, had originally seen Senegal secure a 1-0 victory after extra time. However, the match was marred by controversy late in regulation time when Morocco were awarded a disputed stoppage-time penalty.

The decision sparked protests from Senegal’s players, who left the field in disagreement, causing a 17-minute delay. When play resumed, Brahim Díaz missed the penalty attempt, with his panenka easily saved.

Senegal eventually went on to win the match through an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye, after Sadio Mané had persuaded his teammates to return to the pitch and complete the game.

Despite the result on the field, CAF determined that Senegal’s temporary withdrawal constituted a violation of Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, which states that any team refusing to continue play or leaving the pitch without the referee’s approval is considered to have forfeited.

Under Article 84, such a violation results in automatic elimination and a 3-0 loss.

The ruling means Morocco end a 50-year wait for their second AFCON title, in one of the most controversial conclusions in the tournament’s history.