Morocco crowned AFCON champion after Senegal forfeits final
CAF's appeals board reversed the January final result, declaring Senegal forfeited after walking off the field in protest over a penalty decision.
6:10 PM
The Confederation of African Football declared Morocco the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday, reversing the result of the final played January 18 in Rabat. The appeals board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match, which Senegal had won 1-0, and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.
The decision came 57 days after the original final. Senegal had walked off the field during normal time in protest at a refereeing decision, specifically, a penalty awarded to Morocco late in the match. The delay lasted approximately 16 minutes, during which only Senegal captain Sadio Mane remained on the field in Rabat.
The penalty was awarded after Senegal had seen a potential match-winning goal disallowed. Following the delay caused by Senegal's departure, play resumed and Morocco scored to equalize, forcing the match into extra time, which Senegal won 1-0.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation filed an appeal with CAF following the match. The appeals board found the appeal admissible and well-founded, applying Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, which addresses forfeiture due to non-appearance.
In its statement released Tuesday evening, CAF said "all other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed," concluding the proceedings on the matter.