Morocco have been declared winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal forfeited the final, handing the hosts a 3-0 administrative victory.
The decision follows a successful appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which challenged the earlier ruling that had allowed Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win to stand.
CAF’s Appeals Committee overturned that decision on Tuesday, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations in delivering a severe sanction against the West African side.
The final, played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat, descended into chaos in stoppage time. Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest for about 15 minutes after Morocco were awarded a late penalty, while sections of the crowd attempted to invade the field.
When play resumed, Brahim Diaz saw his penalty saved, before Senegal went on to score the decisive goal in extra time to secure what appeared to be a historic triumph.
However, CAF’s latest ruling nullifies that result. Senegal are now deemed to have forfeited the match, with the official score recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco, effectively awarding the hosts the continental crown.
The initial disciplinary ruling had imposed fines exceeding one million dollars and handed bans to players and officials from both teams, but it did not alter the match outcome.
The Appeals Committee’s intervention has now dramatically reshaped the conclusion of the tournament.
The case however remains open to further challenge, with the possibility of Senegal escalating to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
