The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has overturned the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, declaring Senegal forfeited due to their pitch walk-off protest, awarding hosts Morocco a 3-0 victory and their second continental crown after 1976.
Nearly 50 years after their only previous triumph in 1976, the Atlas Lions have finally lifted the AFCON trophy again based on the decision by the CAF.
It all started on January 18, 2026, when the hosts, Morocco faced Senegal in the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in the AFCON final.
The match ended 1-0 after extra time, with Pape Gueye’s 94th-minute strike sealing the Lions of Teranga’s second title.
However, a late VAR-awarded penalty to Morocco in stoppage time prompted Senegal’s players to briefly walk out of the pitch in protest over the decision and an earlier disallowed goal.
After a lengthy delay exceeding 14 minutes, play resumed, and a penalty was awarded to Morocco. However, Brahim Díaz’s Panenka attempt was saved, and Senegal prevailed in extra time.
Morocco lodged an appeal citing the walk-off as a forfeit under CAF regulations.
On March 17, 2026, the CAF Appeal Board ruled in Morocco’s favor, applying Article 84 to declare Senegal forfeited from the final.
The result was recorded as a 3-0 win for the hosts, officially crowning Morocco champions of the 2025 AFCON winner.
The decision sparked widespread debate across Africa, with some praising CAF for upholding discipline and others criticizing it as undermining the on-field result.
Senegal, 2021 winners, retain pride in their campaign but face the forfeit ruling’s implications.
The outcome solidifies Morocco’s rise as Africa’s powerhouse, setting high expectations for future tournaments and the World Cup.
