CAF Africa Cup of Nations has officially stripped Senegal national football team of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and awarded the championship to the Morocco national football team following disciplinary rulings stemming from the chaotic final played in January.
In a statement released on Tuesday, CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match after their players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest over a controversial refereeing decision late in the game. As a result, the governing body declared that the matchn, originally won 1–0 by Senegal would officially be recorded as a 3–0 victory for Morocco.
The match, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, had originally seen Senegal claim a dramatic extra-time victory through a goal by Pape Gueye. That goal secured what was initially celebrated as Senegal’s second AFCON title.
However, the game descended into controversy in the closing moments of normal time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area.
The decision sparked immediate protests from Senegal’s players and coaching staff. Several Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest, causing a lengthy interruption that delayed the match by nearly 20 minutes.
When play eventually resumed, Moroccan forward Diaz stepped up to take the penalty that could have sealed the title for the hosts. However, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the weakly struck attempt.
The game then went into extra time, where Gueye scored the decisive goal that initially secured victory for Senegal.
The tense atmosphere inside the stadium worsened after the penalty decision, as some Senegalese supporters attempted to invade the pitch. Chairs and other objects were reportedly thrown from the away supporters’ section.
Security forces eventually restored order, forming a barrier between the fans and the playing area to prevent further disruption.
Following the match, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) lodged a complaint with CAF requesting the enforcement of tournament regulations regarding player conduct and match interruptions.
In its statement, the Moroccan football federation said its appeal was not intended to challenge the sporting quality of the teams, but rather to ensure that competition rules were properly applied.
CAF’s disciplinary review ultimately ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off constituted a breach of tournament regulations.
The governing body therefore declared the match forfeited by Senegal and awarded the title to Morocco.
With the decision, Morocco is now officially recognized as the winner of the 2025 AFCON tournament, a title that had originally been celebrated by Senegal after the dramatic final.
The ruling closes one of the most controversial finals in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, raising questions about match management, fan behaviour, and the consequences of on-field protests.
