Shock reversal in african cup final: Morocco awarded title after Senegal’s disqualification
Two months after Senegal clinched the African Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 victory over Morocco in a tense final, the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) delivered a stunning administrative ruling. On March 17, the CAF Appeals Jury declared the Senegalese team forfeit for the final match, triggering an automatic 3-0 forfeiture defeat per competition regulations. The decision retroactively awards the 2025 African Cup title to Morocco.
In an official statement, the CAF confirmed that “the appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation was deemed admissible and substantiated”. The governing body cited Senegal’s conduct during the match as violating articles 82 and 84 of the African Cup of Nations regulations.
The ruling means the original match outcome has been nullified. As the CAF stated: “The Senegal national team is declared forfeit for this match, with the result recorded as a 3-0 victory in favor of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.”
A final already clouded by controversy
The January 18 final was already dramatic. With the score tied, the referee awarded a contentious penalty to Morocco, sparking outrage among Senegalese players. Several briefly left the pitch before returning to finish the game.
Morocco’s penalty was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal the win. At the time, despite the uproar, the result stood unchallenged.
However, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation contested key match events and filed a formal complaint with CAF disciplinary bodies. After reviewing the case, the Appeals Jury ruled that Senegal’s actions warranted disciplinary measures, annulling the original outcome and handing Morocco the title.
The decision has sparked outrage in Senegal, where officials called it “unjust” and announced plans to appeal. Morocco is now officially recognized as the 2025 African Cup champions, weeks after the on-field final.