The Confederation of African Football has stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, officially awarding the trophy to Morocco following a successful appeal by the host nation.
In a ruling announced by CAF’s Appeal Board, Senegal were declared to have forfeited the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after their conduct during the game was found to have breached tournament regulations.
The controversial final, played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, had descended into chaos after Morocco were awarded a late penalty in normal time. Senegal players, backed by their head coach, walked off the pitch in protest before eventually returning to continue the match.
Morocco’s penalty taker, Brahim DÃaz, missed the spot-kick and the game proceeded into extra time, where Senegal scored the only goal to win 1–0 and were initially crowned champions.
However, Morocco lodged an official protest with CAF, challenging the outcome of the match and citing violations of competition rules by the Senegalese team.
After reviewing the case, the CAF Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions fell within Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations. As a result, the final has now been recorded as a 3–0 victory in favour of Morocco, effectively overturning the original result.
The decision means Morocco are now officially crowned African champions for the first time since winning the continental tournament in 1976.
CAF also reviewed disciplinary measures involving Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari. The Appeal Board confirmed that he committed misconduct but reduced his punishment to a two-match suspension, with one match suspended, and overturned a previously imposed $100,000 fine.
The dramatic decision brings a surprising end to months of controversy surrounding the AFCON final, marking one of the most unusual title reversals in the history of the competition
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