CAF Overturns AFCON Final Result, Declares Morocco Winner Over Senegal After On-Field Dispute

Cairo. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has completely overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, declaring Morocco the winner. Although Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final played on January 18, CAF's Appeals Board has held Senegal responsible for misconduct during the match, handing the title to Morocco.

Senegalese players walked off the pitch after being dissatisfied with a penalty awarded to hosts Morocco in injury time, which was deemed against the rules, resulting in Senegal being declared the winner by walkover. The match was goalless when Morocco was awarded the penalty, after which Senegalese players stopped play for about 17 minutes and remained off the field.

Although they later returned to the game, Ibrahima Diaz's penalty kick was saved by the Senegalese goalkeeper, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal the victory. However, after hearing the complaint filed by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) citing non-compliance with tournament regulations, CAF declared Senegal defeated 3-0.

According to CAF, leaving the field without the referee's permission during the match is a serious violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup regulations.

Following this decision, the Senegalese Football Federation warned that it would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), calling the ruling "unjust and unacceptable." This legal decision has dealt a major blow to the joy of Senegalese players, whose videos celebrating with the trophy have been circulating. Morocco, meanwhile, clarified that its objective was not to question the skill on the field but merely to ensure strict adherence to the tournament rules.

According to North African football journalist Maher Mezahi, while this decision changes the winner on paper, it cannot erase the emotion seen on the field and the memory of the Senegalese players lifting the trophy. The overturning of a final result in this manner is considered a very rare and controversial event in football history.