AFCON Title Shock: Senegal Stripped, Morocco Crowned Champions in Stunning Reversal

Morocco were officially awarded the Africa Cup of Nations 2026 title on Tuesday, March 17

After the Confederation of African Football (CAF) upheld an appeal that overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic and controversial final earlier this year. The ruling declared Senegal to have forfeited the January 18 final in Rabat after their players walked off the pitch in protest late in the game, following a contentious penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time.

Although Senegal eventually returned after a lengthy delay and went on to win 1-0 in extra time—thanks to a goal from Papa Gueye after Brahim Diaz missed from the spot—the result has now been officially recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco.

The decision adds a fresh layer of controversy to an already heated encounter that saw clashes on and off the pitch, prompting CAF to state that the incident had damaged the image of African football.

The Senegalese Football Federation (SFF) has strongly rejected the ruling and confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“This is a travesty; this decision has no legal foundation,” SFF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow told RTS1.

“From the very start of the hearing, we had serious doubts. It felt like the outcome was predetermined. We will not back down—the truth and the law are on Senegal’s side.”

With the decision, Morocco have been crowned AFCON champions for only the second time in their history, ending a 50-year wait since their first title.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the verdict, stating that the appeal was aimed at ensuring the rules of the competition were properly enforced.

How the AFCON 2026 Final Descended Into Chaos

The drama began deep into stoppage time when Senegal thought they had taken the lead, only for the referee to disallow the goal for a foul in Morocco’s penalty area.

Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf. Tempers flared as players and officials clashed, while referee Jean-Jacques Ndala reviewed the incident on VAR before confirming his decision.

In protest, Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch. After nearly 20 minutes, captain Sadio Mane convinced the team to return, but tensions remained high. Diaz attempted a Panenka penalty, which was comfortably saved by Edouard Mendy.

Just when the match appeared destined for a shootout, Papa Gueye struck a dramatic winner in the 94th minute of extra time, sparking wild celebrations—only for the result to later be nullified.

CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal’s actions violated Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, which state that any team refusing to continue play or leaving the field without permission forfeits the match.

CAF also confirmed that the $100,000 fine imposed on Morocco’s Ismael Saibari has been scrapped, with his suspension reduced from three matches to one. However, Morocco’s fine for attempting to interfere with the VAR process will remain in place.