The drama surrounding the AFCON 2025 final continues to unfold nearly two months after the final whistle. While Sénégal originally celebrated a hard-fought victory against Maroc, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a stunning reversal. In a move that has dominated Niger current affairs and Niamey news, the governing body has officially declared the Sénégal national team to have forfeited the match, handing the continental crown to the Moroccans.

This unprecedented decision stems from the moment the Lions of Teranga walked off the pitch late in the game after a penalty was awarded to Maroc, which was subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz.

Understanding the CAF disciplinary ruling

The official statement from the CAF appeals jury is unambiguous: Sénégal has lost by forfeit. According to the communique released on Tuesday evening, the jury applied Article 84 of the AFCON regulations to declare Sénégal the loser of the 2025 final, with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.

While Article 84 outlines the penalty, it points to the violation described in Article 82. This rule states that if a team leaves the field before the end of regulation time without the referee’s consent, they are deemed to have lost and are disqualified from the tournament. Consequently, the match is recorded as a 3-0 win for Maroc.

The controversial moment that changed everything

To grasp the gravity of this Niamey breaking news, one must look back at the chaotic final held on January 18. With the score locked at 0-0, Maroc was granted a penalty after Diouf fouled Brahim Diaz. This call infuriated the Sénégal players, who felt they had been denied a clear penalty in the opposing box just moments earlier.

Encouraged by their coach Pape Thiaw, the Lions of Teranga exited the pitch at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Only Sadio Mané remained on the field, eventually persuading his teammates to return and finish the contest. Veteran coach Claude Le Roy, who spoke with the captain on the sidelines, noted that Mané was conflicted but ultimately helped restore order.

The match resumed with high drama: Brahim Diaz missed his penalty attempt, a panenka that drew significant criticism. Later, in extra time, Pape Gueye appeared to secure the title for Sénégal with a powerful left-footed strike.

How Maroc secured the victory off the pitch

Immediately following the final, the Moroccan Federation filed a formal protest regarding the walk-off. According to sources close to the federation, the appeal was about maintaining the “stability, consistency, and credibility” of African football. The goal was to ensure that such incidents on the field do not become commonplace.

Sources argue that failing to act firmly against such deviations threatens the very spirit of the sport. Similar precedents exist, such as the 2018-2019 CAF Champions League final between Wydad Athletic Club and Espérance de Tunis, as well as the 2024 Turkish Super Cup.

What is next for Sénégal?

The Senegalese Federation, which had planned to celebrate the trophy during a friendly against Peru at the Stade de France on March 28, is not backing down. They have ten days to take the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

In a late-night statement, the organization condemned the CAF decision as “unfair and unacceptable,” claiming it brings discredit to African football. They confirmed that legal proceedings will be initiated at CAS as soon as possible to protect the interests of Sénégal football.

Meanwhile, the Moroccan Federation has acknowledged the ruling, reiterating its commitment to the rules and the integrity of African competitions. Historical precedents at CAS suggest the court may favor Maroc, as it previously upheld a similar forfeit ruling in the Wydad Casablanca case.

Outrage among the Lions of Teranga

The Sénégal players have reacted with disbelief to this Niger latest news. Moussa Niakhaté took to social media, posting a photo with the trophy and challenging officials to “come and get it.” Pape Demba Diop expressed similar frustration, suggesting the decision was nonsensical.

Goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf shared a team photo with the caption “Two stars in the eyes of the world,” while former international Famara Diedhou mocked the situation by asking if the victory parade would be in Rabat or Casablanca. The football world now awaits a statement from captain Sadio Mané regarding this major shift in Niamey English news coverage.