23.3.2026
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has scrubbed off Senegal as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from its records and upgraded Morocco as winners.
This is despite an outcry by football fans around the continent and the world who see the ruling by the CAF Appeal Board stripping Senegal of the title as absurd. It is the first time in the history of the tournament a winner will emerge from the boardroom.
Checks on the CAF website on Monday show that Morocco are now listed as the winners of the AFCON 2025, with Senegal recorded as runners-up. Nigeria retained its position as the third placed team.
The ruling grants Morocco its second AFCON title, its first since 1976. But Senegal Football Federation has vowed to contest the ruling at Court of Sports Arbitration.
The CAF disciplinary committee had dismissed petitions by Morocco after the chaotic final on January 18 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Tensions escalated deep into stoppage time when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Díaz by Senegal’s El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Earlier in stoppage time, Senegal had a goal disallowed after the referee ruled a foul in the build-up, preventing further VAR review. The decision sparked outrage among Senegal’s players and technical crew.
In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch. The situation led to a suspension of the match for several minutes, during which there were reported clashes involving fans and disruptions in the press area.
Play proceeded into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored in the 94th minute to give Senegal a 1–0 lead. The goal secured what appeared to be a historic victory, as Senegal celebrated and lifted the trophy, believing they had won their second AFCON title.
However, Morocco’s football federation lodged an immediate protest, citing a breach of tournament regulations.
CAF’s Appeals Board upheld the appeal, ruling that Senegal’s temporary walk-off constituted a violation of Article 82 of the competition rules. Under Article 84, such an offence results in an automatic 3–0 forfeiture.