BREAKING: Morocco Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Result Overturned | DISCUSS

In a historic and stunning reversal, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board has officially stripped Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and crowned Morocco as the winners today, Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

The ruling follows an appeal by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) regarding the chaotic scenes during the final held in Rabat on January 18, 2026.

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The Ruling: A 3-0 Forfeit Victory

The CAF Appeal Board determined that Senegal's actions during the final constituted a match abandonment, leading to an administrative defeat:

The Violation: Under Article 84 of the AFCON Regulations, the board ruled that Senegal "forfeited" the match when players walked off the pitch in protest.

The Scoreline: Senegal’s initial 1-0 extra-time victory has been expunged. The match is now officially recorded as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.

First Since 1976: This grants Morocco their second-ever continental title and their first on home soil.

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The Stoppage-Time Chaos

The controversy centers on the final minutes of normal time when the score was tied at 0-0:

Disallowed Goal: Senegal were already incensed after a late goal by Abdoulaye Seck was ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi.

The Penalty Incident: In the 8th minute of stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty to Morocco after a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Díaz.

The Walk-Off: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw instructed his team to leave the field in protest. The game was delayed for approximately 17 minutes before senior players like Sadio Mané persuaded their teammates to return.

The Missed Spot-Kick: When play resumed, Brahim Díaz attempted a "Panenka" penalty which was saved by Édouard Mendy. Senegal then went on to score the winning goal in extra time through Pape Gueye.