Morocco awarded Africa Cup of Nations title after Senegal's final forfeit The Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final, awarding the title to Morocco after ruling the West African nation had forfeited the match. The decision came after an appeals board reviewed the chaotic conclusion of the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal players left the field in protest during stoppage time. The ruling declared Senegal's 1-0 win in extra time invalid, granting Morocco a 3-0 default victory. The match, which ended in controversy, saw Senegal's apparent go-ahead goal disallowed minutes before a penalty was awarded to Morocco. TV replays showed minimal contact by Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi, leading to the controversial stoppage-time penalty. Morocco's Brahim Díaz missed the spot kick with a slow chip shot, known as a "Panenka," which was saved by Senegal's goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Senegal then scored the only goal in extra time, but the result was later overturned. CAF initially imposed fines and bans on Senegal and Morocco players and officials following a disciplinary hearing but left the match outcome unchanged. Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, defended the team's actions, while players like Moussa Niakhaté and El Hadji Malick Diouf expressed frustration on social media, with Niakhaté posting an image of himself holding the trophy and Diouf stating the trophy "isn't going anywhere." The Moroccan Football Federation emphasized its commitment to following competition rules, stating its actions were aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance rather than challenging sporting performance. The federation also praised the tournament's participants, calling it a significant moment for African football.#morocco #senegal #confederation_of_african_football #caf #edouard_mendy
Senegal Stripped of Africa Cup of Nations Title, Morocco Declared Champion by CAF Appeal Board Senegal was stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday, with Morocco officially declared the winner after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeal board ruled that the Senegalese team had forfeited the final. The decision followed a chaotic conclusion to the January 18 match in Rabat, where Senegalese players walked off the pitch during stoppage time, prompting fans to attempt to storm the field. The appeal board determined that Senegal’s actions constituted a forfeit, awarding Morocco a 3-0 default victory. The final had been a tense affair, with Morocco awarded a penalty in the 89th minute. Senegalese forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved by the Moroccan goalkeeper, and Senegal eventually scored the only goal in extra time to secure a 1-0 win. However, the CAF appeal board overturned the result, citing the players’ protest as a violation of competition rules. The ruling effectively nullified Senegal’s victory and handed the title to Morocco. In an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines exceeding $1 million on Senegal and Morocco players and officials, along with bans for some individuals. Despite these penalties, the outcome of the match remained unchanged. The case is now set to be reviewed by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which could potentially overturn the appeal board’s decision. The controversy has sparked widespread debate across Africa, with many questioning the fairness of the ruling. Supporters of Senegal argue that the players’ protest was a response to perceived unfair treatment during the match, particularly the controversial penalty decision.#africa_cup_of_nations #morocco #senegal #confederation_of_african_football #caf_appeal_board
CAF strips Senegal of AFCON title, Morocco declared African champions The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revoked Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, which they won in a controversial final two months ago, and officially declared Morocco the winners. In a decisive ruling, CAF’s appeals board stated that Senegal had forfeited the match, a 1-0 victory, and the result is now being recorded as a 3-0 win for host nation Morocco. The contentious final took place on January 18 in Rabat, where Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest after a disputed penalty was awarded to Morocco in the closing moments of regulation time. The protest, led by Senegal’s coach Pape Thiaw, led to a 15-minute delay before play resumed. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz attempted a penalty, which was saved by Senegalese goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. In extra time, Pape Gueye scored the winning goal, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title. The match was marked by intense drama, including fans attempting to storm the field, players scuffling on the sidelines, and a chaotic incident involving Moroccan ball boys trying to seize Mendy’s towel to distract him. These events added to the already volatile atmosphere of the final. Following the match, CAF imposed disciplinary fines exceeding $1 million on Senegal and Morocco players and officials. However, the outcome of the game remained unchanged until the recent appeals decision. The case may now proceed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where further appeals could be considered.#morocco #senegal #brahim_diaz #confederation_of_african_football #pape_thiaw
Morocco crowned Afcon 2025 champions after CAF overturns Senegal’s victory The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations 2025 title, awarding the trophy to Morocco after the final match was declared invalid due to Senegal’s refusal to continue the game. The decision followed a dramatic 17-minute delay during the final, which ended in chaos after Senegal players boycotted the match following a controversial penalty decision. The match, which was initially won by Senegal in extra time, was annulled by CAF after reviewing footage of the incident. Senegal’s players and coaching staff left the field without permission, prompting the referee to stop the game. CAF cited Article 82 of its regulations, which states that a team leaving the field without authorization before the end of regulation time is deemed to have forfeited the match. Senegal was subsequently disqualified under Article 84, which mandates a 3-0 loss for any team violating Article 82. Morocco’s appeal to retain the title was upheld by CAF, which declared the team’s conduct during the match as the reason for the ruling. The final had seen Senegal take the lead in extra time through Pape Gueye, but the result was overturned after the governing body determined Senegal’s actions violated the competition’s rules. CAF’s statement condemned the unacceptable behavior of Senegal’s players and officials, emphasizing that such conduct would not be tolerated in African football. The decision also drew criticism from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who called the actions of Senegal’s players and technical staff “unacceptable” and warned that such behavior would not be tolerated in the sport.#morocco #senegal #gianni_infantino #confederation_of_african_football #pape_gueye
