Rabat, Morocco – In a stunning turn of events, Morocco has been officially declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory from the January final. The decision, announced Tuesday, stems from Senegal’s protest during the match, which led to their players leaving the field and a subsequent ruling of a forfeit.
The CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal “declared to have forfeited the Final,” resulting in a 3-0 default win for the host nation, Morocco. This marks Morocco’s first AFCON title since 1976, a drought spanning nearly five decades. The controversy unfolded during stoppage time of the January 18th final in Rabat, when a penalty was awarded to Morocco, sparking outrage from the Senegalese team.
Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, protested the penalty decision by leaving the field for approximately 15 minutes, while fans attempted to storm the pitch. Play eventually resumed, but Morocco forward Brahim Díaz’s subsequent penalty attempt – a “Panenka” – was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal then scored the only goal of the match in extra time, securing what they believed was a 1-0 victory.
The initial tension stemmed from a disallowed Senegal goal just minutes before the controversial penalty was awarded. Abdoulaye Seck was called for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, negating the goal, despite television replays showing minimal contact. This decision fueled the Senegalese team’s frustration and ultimately contributed to their walk-off protest.
Following an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines exceeding $1 million and bans on several players and officials from both Senegal and Morocco, but the match result stood. However, Morocco appealed the decision, arguing that Senegal’s actions significantly impacted the game’s integrity. The CAF Appeal Board sided with Morocco, citing articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations.
The Senegalese Football Federation has vehemently protested the ruling, calling it “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable” and damaging to the reputation of African football. The federation announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, seeking to overturn the CAF’s verdict.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously described the scenes during the final as “unacceptable” and “ugly,” emphasizing the need to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The CAF cited the disruption caused by Senegal’s walk-off as a violation of tournament regulations, justifying the forfeiture.
The overturning of the result is a significant blow to Senegal, who were seeking their second AFCON title. For Morocco, it represents a historic victory on home soil, ending a long wait for continental glory. The decision is sure to spark further debate and scrutiny regarding officiating and player conduct in African football.
The CAF’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to tournament regulations and maintaining order during matches. While the Senegalese team’s frustration was understandable, their decision to leave the field ultimately led to the forfeiture of the title. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for teams and officials alike, highlighting the consequences of disruptive behavior.
As Senegal prepares its appeal to CAS, the future of the AFCON title remains uncertain. The outcome of the appeal will have far-reaching implications for both nations and the broader landscape of African football. Morocco, for now, celebrates a controversial but officially sanctioned championship.
What’s Next: Senegal is expected to file its appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the coming weeks. A decision from CAS is not expected immediately, potentially delaying the official confirmation of Morocco’s title for several months.
