Morocco have been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions in extraordinary circumstances after Senegal were stripped of their title following a controversial final back on January 18, 2026.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruled that Senegal forfeited the match after their players walked off the pitch in protest during the closing stages of the final in Rabat.
As a result, the original 1-0 victory after extra-time for Senegal has been overturned and recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco.
The decision ends Morocco’s long wait for continental success, with the hosts now officially champions for the first time in nearly five decades.
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Final overshadowed by dramatic scenes
The final itself had been one of the most chaotic in the competition’s history.
Senegal initially won the match in extra-time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye, after a tense and controversial ending to normal time.
Late in the game, Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty, sparking furious protests from Senegal’s players.
The team left the pitch for several minutes in protest, causing a lengthy delay before eventually returning to continue the match.
When play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to secure victory in extra-time.
However, the incident did not end there.
CAF overturns result after appeal
Following the match, Morocco lodged an appeal with CAF, arguing that Senegal’s actions violated competition rules.
CAF’s appeal board agreed, citing regulations that state a team leaving the field without the referee’s permission is deemed to have forfeited the match.
The ruling means Senegal’s win has been annulled, with Morocco awarded a default 3-0 victory.
The decision marks one of the most unprecedented moments in African football history, with the result of a major final changed months after the match had been played.
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Senegal to challenge decision
Senegal have reacted strongly to the ruling and are expected to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Officials from the Senegalese federation have described the decision as unfair, maintaining that the match was completed and the result should stand.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate across the football world, with questions raised over governance, refereeing decisions and the handling of the final.
For now, however, Morocco are officially African champions, while uncertainty remains over whether the final chapter of this dramatic story has yet been written.
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SportJustSport writers