Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning turn of events, Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final match. The decision, announced on March 17, 2026, overturns the original 1-0 victory claimed by Senegal on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, and awards Morocco a 3-0 win.
The controversial final, played in front of 66,526 spectators under partly cloudy skies and a temperature of 46°F (8°C), was marred by a Senegalese walk-off in stoppage time following a disputed penalty decision. Senegal initially protested a penalty awarded to Morocco, then briefly left the field before returning to complete the match. Pape Gueye’s goal ultimately secured a 1-0 extra-time win for the Senegalese side, a result that has now been nullified.
The initial outcome sparked immediate outrage and condemnation. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the walk-off and subsequent fan violence as “unacceptable,” and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation launched legal action. Disciplinary investigations were also initiated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The CAF Appeal Board’s ruling, based on Article 84 of the CAN regulations, effectively penalizes Senegal for their actions during the match.
According to a CAF statement, “The Jury of Appeal of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has decided, in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations CAF (CAN), to declare the national team of Senegal forfeited in the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 (‘the Match’), the result being approved with a score of 3-0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).”
The decision to award Morocco the championship is a dramatic reversal of fortune. Just weeks ago, the Senegalese team celebrated what appeared to be a hard-fought victory. Now, Morocco claims its second Africa Cup of Nations title, a moment of triumph arriving after a period of disappointment following the on-field result.
The controversy stems from a late penalty awarded to Morocco, which Senegal vehemently disputed. The Senegalese players’ decision to leave the pitch for approximately 20 minutes, and their subsequent return to finish the game, was deemed a violation of CAF regulations. The regulations, specifically Articles 82 and 84, were cited by the CAF Appeal Board in their decision to uphold the Moroccan appeal and sanction Senegal’s behavior.
Senegal has already announced its intention to appeal the CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). This further escalation suggests the dispute is far from over and will likely continue to dominate headlines in African football for the foreseeable future. The Senegalese Football Federation released a statement confirming their intent to challenge the ruling, seeking to restore their original victory.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, which hosted the match, opened on September 5, 2025, and has a seating capacity of 69,500. The stadium served as a fitting backdrop for a final that will now be remembered for its off-field drama as much as its on-field action. The match was officiated by Jean-Jacques Ndala (DR Congo), and Pape Gueye of Senegal was initially named Man of the Match – an honor now overshadowed by the subsequent events.
This unprecedented outcome raises questions about the interpretation and enforcement of CAF regulations, and the potential for similar disputes in future tournaments. The incident highlights the increasing scrutiny surrounding officiating and the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in African football. The CAF will likely face pressure to clarify its rules and procedures to prevent similar controversies from arising in the future.
For Morocco, the victory represents a significant achievement and a moment of national pride. The team will undoubtedly celebrate their unexpected triumph, but the circumstances surrounding the win will likely temper the joy for some fans. The Moroccan supporters will hope this title marks the beginning of a modern era of success for their national team.
The next steps for both teams remain uncertain. Senegal will pursue its appeal to CAS, while Morocco will prepare to officially receive the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. The football world will be watching closely as this saga unfolds, with implications for the future of the tournament and the integrity of the game.
What’s Next: Senegal’s appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport is expected to be heard in the coming weeks. A decision from CAS could take several months, potentially delaying the official presentation of the trophy to Morocco. Archysport will continue to provide updates as this story develops.
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