Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph has been dramatically overturned, with the West African nation now preparing to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
In a stunning ruling, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 AFCON title, awarding a 3-0 victory -- and the trophy -- to Morocco instead.
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Chaos in Final Leads to Historic Decision
The controversy stems from the AFCON final in Rabat, where Senegal initially defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time. However, the match was marred by a dramatic walk-off protest late in regulation time.
Senegal players, led by head coach Pape Thiaw, left the pitch for around 15 minutes in protest of a penalty awarded to Morocco following a VAR review. Although they later returned to complete the match, CAF ruled that the act constituted a breach of competition regulations.
Under Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament rules, any team that refuses to continue play can be deemed to have forfeited the match -- a clause CAF ultimately enforced in its final verdict.
Morocco Crowned Champions
Following Morocco’s formal appeal, CAF’s decision effectively erased Senegal’s victory, replacing it with a 3-0 win in favour of the hosts.
The ruling handed Morocco their first AFCON title in nearly five decades, while Senegal were ordered to relinquish the trophy despite having already celebrated the win back home.
Senegal to Fight Back at CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation has strongly rejected the decision and confirmed plans to take the matter to CAS in a bid to overturn the ruling.
Officials have labelled the outcome controversial, arguing that the match was completed and should stand as played.
One of Football’s Most Controversial Endings
The decision marks one of the most unprecedented moments in international football, with a major final result reversed months after the final whistle.
What began as a dramatic on-field protest has now escalated into a legal battle that could reshape the final chapter of AFCON 2025 -- with the sport’s highest arbitration body set to deliver the ultimate verdict.
For now, Senegal’s title dream hangs in limbo, while Morocco stand as the official champions -- at least until CAS has its say.
