Why are Morocco Crowned AFCON Champions in astonishing CAF Ruling as Senegal stripped off Title?newsline24

oi-Sauradeep Ash

Morocco have been officially crowned champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a dramatic and unprecedented ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on March 17, 2026.

After the dramatic final in January this year, Senegal were crowned 1-0 winners, but the CAF have overturned the result of the match.

The Atlas Lions were awarded the title after CAF’s Appeal Board determined that Senegal had forfeited the final match due to their actions during the game. The result was recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations. This overturned Senegal’s on-field 1-0 extra-time win in the final played on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Morocco hosted the tournament.

What happened in the Final?

The final itself descended into chaos in stoppage time. With the score goalless late in regulation, referee Jean Jacques Ndala controversially disallowed a Senegal goal, ruled out for a foul, sparking outrage among the Teranga Lions.

Minutes later, in the 98th minute, VAR intervened on a challenge by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf on Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, leading Ndala to award Morocco a penalty after reviewing the pitchside monitor.

Incensed by the decisions perceived by many as biased toward the hosts, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest, refusing to continue. After a delay of around 17 minutes amid tense negotiations, they returned. Díaz stepped up for the spot-kick but fluffed a tame Panenka attempt, easily saved by Edouard Mendy. The referee blew for full time, sending the match to extra time.

In the additional period, Pape Gueye scored a decisive goal for Senegal, securing a 1-0 victory and what appeared to be their second AFCON title.

Why have CAF Ruled Morocco as Champions?

However, the walk-off proved costly. CAF ruled it a forfeit, stripping Senegal of the win and crowning Morocco champions for the first time since 1976. The Appeal board of CAF adjudged Senegal to have infringed Article 84, Article 82 of the CAF regulations.

“The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) Appeal Board decided today 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”), with the result of the Match being recorded as 3-0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF),” a statement from CAF read.

Morocco get Fined for Ball Boys and Laser Incident

The Moroccan football association has also been levied a fine of USD 60,000 for the incidents in the final. The ball boys were hostile and a Laser incident in the final have earned them the financial charges. Moroccan player Ismael Saibari’s fine has been overturned, while he is set to face a two-match suspension.

Morocco also received the Fair Play award post-tournament, highlighting their composure amid the turmoil. The saga underscored tensions in African football, refereeing controversies, and the fine line between protest and discipline.

What can Senegal Do?

For Senegal, seeking a re-evaluation or raising an appeal to CAF is closed, as the apex body has already confirmed that. But the Senegalese Football Federation can take the matter to Court of Arbitration for Sports, which independently resolves sports issues across the globe.

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