Morocco Awarded AFCON 2025 Title After CAF Ruling

The Atlas Lions of Morocco have been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of the final, ruling that Senegal forfeited the match following a controversial walk-off on January 18 2026, at the Rabat Stadium in Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga won their second continental title after defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final, a match overshadowed by a late dispute. With the score goalless deep into stoppage time, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, prompting Senegal’s players to leave the pitch in protest.

CAF Overturns Result Over Rule Breach

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

The controversy came from a dramatic end to the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the 8th minute of stoppage time following a VAR review of a challenge involving Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw, angered by the decision and an earlier disallowed goal, led his players off the field. 

Senegalese forward Sadio Mane remained on the pitch in an attempt to persuade teammates to continue.

After play resumed, Diaz’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, before Gueye’s extra-time goal appeared to secure Senegal’s second title in five years, until CAF’s ruling reversed the outcome.

Although the Senegalese team returned to the pitch after a 17-minute walk-off and Morocco’s penalty, taken by Brahim Diaz, was saved, Senegal went on to secure victory through Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute goal.

The CAF Appeal Board ruled, under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, that Senegal forfeited the final, with the match officially awarded as a 3–0 victory to the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football.

CAF’s appeal board has now ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of tournament regulations. 

In an official statement, the governing body said Senegal had “forfeited the final match,” with the result recorded as a 3-0 win in favour of Morocco.

CAF also cited violations of Articles 82 and 84 of the competition’s regulations. Article 82 stipulates that any team refusing to continue play without referee authorisation is considered to have lost the match, while Article 84 enforces a 3-0 forfeiture and elimination.

Morocco Appeal Upheld, Senegal to Challenge Decision

Image: Moroccan and Senegalese Players Confronting Themselves

The decision followed an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation, which CAF confirmed was admissible and upheld. Morocco’s federation said its action was not intended to challenge Senegal’s performance but to ensure the proper application of the rules.

“The federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules and maintaining stability within African competitions,” the statement said.

The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly rejected the ruling, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” and confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Global Reaction

Global football governing body FIFA had earlier condemned the scenes, with its president Gianni Infantino describing them as “ugly.”

Despite the official reversal, analysts say the decision is unlikely to erase the emotional impact of the match, with images of Senegal lifting the trophy and celebration already etched in fans’ memories.

The ruling marks one of the most controversial conclusions in the history of African football and sets the stage for a legal battle that could further test the sport’s governance on the continent.

X users flooded CAF Media’s press release on X, which now has over 30K comments from global football fans.

One X user, Thandubuntu wrote: This is an embarrassment to all of Africa.

Wodemaya commented: Joke of the century

Khalid said: Ooooh..Congratulations to the Moroccan national team for being considered the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations. As for me…I rejoice in the joy of the Arabs. And Morocco, its leadership and people, deserve this joy.