African football’s governing body has stripped Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) crown they won in a chaotic final two months ago, declaring host nation Morocco the champions instead.
In a stunning ruling, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Tuesday that its appeals board had determined Senegal “to have forfeited” the match, a 1-0 victory in Rabat on 18 January. The result has now been “officially recorded as 3-0” in favour of Morocco.
The final descended into turmoil when Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, walked off the pitch in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Play resumed after a 15‑minute delay, with Morocco forward Brahim Diaz seeing his spot‑kick saved. In extra time, Pape Gueye struck the decisive goal that appeared to secure Senegal’s second continental title.
The match was marred by ugly scenes: supporters attempting to storm the field, players scuffling on the sidelines, reporters from both countries clashing in media areas, and Moroccan ball boys trying to snatch a towel from Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy in a bizarre attempt to distract him.
CAF’s disciplinary committee had already imposed fines of more than $1m and handed bans to players and officials from both sides, but until now had left the result untouched. The latest ruling could yet be challenged at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
The Senegal Football Association (FSF) swiftly announced it would appeal. In a strongly worded statement, the federation described the decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” warning that it undermines the credibility of African football.
“To defend the rights and interests of Senegalese football, the federation announces it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, with an emergency procedure to be initiated as soon as possible,” the statement read. “The Federation reaffirms its commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of the follow‑up to this matter.”
