The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delivered a bombshell decision in African football history: Senegal has been officially stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. Morocco, the tournament hosts, have been declared the champions following an upheld appeal regarding the chaotic final match played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.
Senegal claimed their second Afcon title, having first lifted the trophy at the 2021 edition. (Ghetty/BBC)
Senegal originally emerged victorious with a 1-0 win in extra time, thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye after Morocco missed a late penalty. However, the match descended into chaos when Senegal’s players, led by captain Sadio Mané, briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco. After a 15-minute delay and coaxing from officials, the Teranga Lions returned, and the game resumed.Despite completing and winning the match on the field, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a forfeiture under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations.CAF’s Official Ruling
In a statement released on March 17, 2026, CAF confirmed:
“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, with the result of the Match being officially recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”
As a result, Morocco is now recognized as the 2025 AFCON champions, marking their first title since 1976, while Senegal’s on-field victory has been annulled.
Moroccan players celebrating with their home fans. (Ghetty)
The decision has sparked widespread debate, with many calling it unprecedented and controversial. Senegal’s football federation (FSF) has announced plans to appeal the ruling, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Critics argue the outcome undermines the spirit of the game, as Senegal did return and secure the win legitimately. Supporters of the decision point to the clear violation of protocol in leaving the pitch.Implications for African Football
This landmark ruling could set a precedent for handling protests and forfeits in future tournaments. It also shifts the narrative around AFCON 2025, hosted by Morocco, from a thrilling Senegal triumph to an administrative victory for the Atlas Lions.
Senegal receive punishment verdict but Sadio Mane hailed after AFCON final drama (Ghetty / Mirror)
What was once celebrated as Senegal’s second AFCON crown (after 2021) has now been rewritten in the record books. Football fans across Africa await Senegal’s appeal and any further developments in what has become one of the most dramatic sagas in continental competition history.
