CAF overturns Senegal win: Appeals board declares Morocco AFCON Champions

Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday by appeals judges who overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final in January.

The Confederation of African Football said its appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited the final” and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco.

In the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, Senegal players led by coach Pape Thiaw left the field in protest during stoppage time for 15 minutes — and fans tried to storm the field — when Morocco was awarded a penalty that was set to decide the match.

When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s spot kick — a controversial slow chip shot known as a “Panenka” — was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time.

Tension in the stadium was already raised by Senegal being denied a goal minutes before the penalty was given to Morocco.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Senegal’s apparent go-ahead goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, but TV replays showed little contact on Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.

At an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines of than $1 million in fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials but left the result untouched.

The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

CAF cited article 82 of tournament regulations for its marquee event to justify the verdict enforced on appeal, though not at the first hearing.

It states “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.”

Related articles

AFCON 2025 final scandal: Senegal accuses CAF of corruption

From the same country

Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints first woman-led government

Morocco's PAM party forms governing coalition with three other parties

Moroccan king says youth issues must be at forefront of policy agenda

01:07

AFCON 2025 final scandal: Senegal accuses CAF of corruption

01:18

Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints first woman-led government

00:59

Morocco's PAM party forms governing coalition with three other parties

01:47

Moroccan king says youth issues must be at forefront of policy agenda

01:07

AFCON 2025 final scandal: Senegal accuses CAF of corruption

01:18

Morocco's King Mohammed VI formally appoints first woman-led government

00:59

Morocco's PAM party forms governing coalition with three other parties

01:47

Moroccan king says youth issues must be at forefront of policy agenda

NEWS

02:39

Is Macky Sall preparing for a political comeback in Senegal?

NEWS 01:22 Senegalese workers protest rising living costs ahead of three-day general strike

NEWS

01:41

Senegal debt crisis: Sonko warns G20 plan could backfire

SPORT

00:56

CAS verdict on Senegal AFCON title appeal 'expected end November'

NEWS 01:11 Western Sahara: Polisario front challenges UN Envoy as MINURSO mandate vote nears

BUSINESS 01:03 US wants to see Senegal’s debt restructuring completed within a year

01:30

Nigeria

Nigeria's Tinubu defends policies as he launches re-election bid

01:13

Gabon

Gabon restores social media access after an eight-month ban

01:01 Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabia's Riyadh airport partially resumes flights after Houthi attacks