The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a landmark decision, disqualifying Senegal from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and subsequently awarding the championship title to Morocco. This unprecedented ruling, confirmed in a statement issued on March 17, 2026, overturns the original outcome of a highly controversial final match played on January 18, 2026, at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco.
The dispute originally arose during the AFCON final when Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, and several players staged a 15-minute walk-off the field. This protest was in response to a penalty awarded to Morocco during the second half of extra time. Following fervent pleas from captain Sadio Mane, his teammates eventually returned to the pitch. The Moroccan penalty kick was subsequently saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper. Later in extra time, Pape Gueye scored, securing a 1-0 victory for Senegal, which at the time was celebrated as their championship title.
In the immediate aftermath of the match, CAF conducted an initial disciplinary hearing. This hearing resulted in substantial financial penalties, with fines exceeding $1 million imposed on both national federations. Additionally, various players and officials from both Senegal and Morocco received bans, acknowledging the high tensions experienced on the field during the final.
However, the Council of Appeals, in a decisive move on March 17, 2026, announced a reversal of the initial match outcome. CAF’s official statement confirmed Senegal’s disqualification from the final match, citing specific violations of Article 82 (Trophy Provisions) and Article 84 of the AFCON regulations. As a direct consequence of these breaches, the final result has been formally decided as a 3-0 victory for Morocco, thereby making them the official champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
