Rabat, Morocco — Morocco has been declared Africa Cup of Nations champion after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) appeals board ruled that Senegal forfeited the 18 January final, converting the original 1-0 Senegalese extra-time victory into a 3-0 default win for the host nation. Official statements indicate the board relied on article 82 of the tournament regulations, which classifies a team that “leaves the ground before the regular end of the match” as loser. Senegal’s squad walked off in stoppage time to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, halting play for roughly 15 minutes while spectators attempted to reach the pitch.
The penalty, a chipped attempt by Morocco forward Brahim Diaz, was later saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, and Senegal scored in extra time. CAF’s initial disciplinary panel had imposed fines exceeding one million dollars and issued bans to officials of both federations but left the score unchanged.
The new ruling strips Senegal of the title and hands Morocco its first continental crown since 1976.
Sources close to the matter say Senegal officials can still lodge a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Further details are expected.
