CAF delivered a seismic shock to African football with its announcement on Tuesday. In a formal statement, the governing body declared that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON 2025 final, which took place on January 18. Though Morocco was defeated 0-1 in extra time before its home crowd, it has now been awarded the victory by a 3-0 scoreline.

“The Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided, in accordance with Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, to declare the national team of Senegal forfeit for the final of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” the CAF statement detailed on Tuesday evening. “The result is therefore homologated with a score of 3-0 in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).”

Senegal penalised for abandoning the pitch

The decision to sanction Senegal stems from the tumultuous end to the final match. The controversy began when a penalty was awarded to Morocco. After Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick with a catastrophic panenka attempt, a majority of the Senegalese players protested by leaving the field and returning to their dressing room. The situation was exacerbated when supporters of the team, led by star Sadio Mané, invaded the pitch, resulting in crowd disturbances and clashes with security personnel.

Following a significant delay and considerable confusion, the match eventually resumed with Diaz’s missed penalty, proceeding into extra time. It was during this period that Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, which seemed to have secured a fantastic victory for the Teranga Lions.

Morocco ends a 49-year title drought

This ruling, a first for a competition of such magnitude, is poised to trigger a wave of strong reactions. For Senegalese fans, the decision is likely to be perceived as a great injustice, effectively robbing a nation of its triumph.

Conversely, supporters of Morocco can now celebrate the end of a nearly half-century wait for a second AFCON trophy. The continental title was secured on home soil by the team then managed by Walid Regragui (who has since been replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi). Observers across the football world are also expected to voice their opinions on this historic and contentious decision by the CAF Appeal Jury.

Saibari and Morocco sanctioned for towel incidents

Beyond the shocking reversal of the final’s outcome, CAF also addressed other disciplinary matters. Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari was handed a two-match suspension (with one suspended) for taking the opposing goalkeeper’s towel during the final. However, his $100,000 fine was rescinded.

In a related penalty, the Moroccan Football Federation was ordered to pay $50,000 for the actions of its ball boys during the match. On several occasions, members of the organization were seen taking the towels belonging to Senegal’s goalkeeper.

The appeal that led to this verdict was initially filed by Morocco, who argued that the first sanctions imposed by CAF were too lenient towards Senegal. The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) had chosen not to appeal the initial decisions. However, in light of Tuesday’s ruling by the CAF Appeal Jury, the FSF may now consider taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.