The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, overturning Senegal’s victory following a dramatic and controversial final.
The decision comes two months after the chaotic showdown on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, which initially saw Senegal claim a 1–0 win to lift the trophy.
The turning point in the match came late in normal time when Morocco were awarded a penalty. In protest of the referee’s decision, Senegal’s players—backed by their head coach—walked off the pitch, bringing the game to a halt.
After some delay, Senegal returned to continue the match. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty but failed to convert, sending the game into extra time.
Senegal eventually secured a narrow 1–0 victory and were crowned champions on the night. However, Morocco immediately contested the result, filing an official appeal with CAF.
CAF’s Appeal Board has now ruled in Morocco’s favour, determining that Senegal’s actions during the match constituted a breach of tournament regulations.
As a result, Senegal have been deemed to have forfeited the final. The match has officially been recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco.
This ruling means Morocco are now recognized as African champions for the first time since 1976.
In its detailed judgment, CAF stated that:
• Morocco’s appeal was valid and upheld
• Earlier disciplinary rulings were overturned
• Senegal violated competition regulations through their conduct
• The protest lodged by Morocco’s football federation was justified
• The final result has been officially changed to a 3–0 victory for Morocco
Additional Sanctions and Adjustments
CAF also reviewed several related incidents from the match:
• Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was found guilty of misconduct and handed a two-match suspension (with one match suspended). His earlier $100,000 fine was cancelled.
• Morocco’s federation was held accountable for the behavior of ball boys, though the fine was reduced to $50,000.
• A separate $100,000 fine related to interference near the VAR review area was upheld.
• A fine for a laser incident was reduced to $10,000.
With the ruling now finalized, Morocco’s long wait for continental glory comes to an end, while Senegal’s triumph has been erased from the record books in one of the most historical reversals in AFCON existence.
