Africa Cup of Nations Final Result Overturned, Morocco Awarded Title Amidst Controversy

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, initially won by Senegal 1-0 against host nation Morocco on January 18, has seen its result overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board. The board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match due to players leaving the field in protest during normal time, subsequently awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and their first AFCON title since 1976. The decision, based on articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, has prompted Senegal to announce its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The 2025 AFCON Final: Initial Outcome (January 18)

The AFCON final took place on January 18 in Rabat, Morocco, between Senegal and the host nation. Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory after extra time, with the winning goal scored by Pape Gueye in the 94th minute of the match, following a play initiated by Sadio Mane and Idrissa Gana Gueye. Morocco's goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, was unable to save the shot.

Morocco's Nayef Aguerd attempted to equalize, hitting the crossbar in the second half of extra time, while Senegal's Cherif Ndiaye missed a chance to extend their lead. The initial on-field result marked Senegal's second AFCON title in three editions and ended Morocco's 27-international unbeaten streak. Morocco's aspiration to win the title at home for the first time in 50 years was not realized by the on-field outcome.

Following Senegal's initial victory, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday in Senegal. Supporters celebrated in Dakar and international cities including Milan, Paris, and New York, while Moroccan fans in various cities expressed disappointment.

In the semi-final matches preceding the final:

• Morocco advanced after defeating Nigeria in a penalty shootout.
• Senegal secured its place by beating Egypt 1-0 in Tangiers on Wednesday. Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute.
• During the Senegal-Egypt match, Senegal's central defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a yellow card in the 17th minute for a foul on Omar Marmoush, leading to his suspension for the final. He was substituted due to injury in the 23rd minute by Mamadou Sarr. Verbal disputes occurred between rival benches at the conclusion of the first half, prompting appeals for calm from head coaches Pape Thiaw (Senegal) and Hossam Hassan (Egypt).

Key Incidents and Controversies During the Final Match

The final match was marked by several incidents and delays that became central to the later appeal.

In the second minute of stoppage time during normal play, Senegal's Ismaila Sarr scored an apparent go-ahead goal from a rebound. However, the goal was disallowed by referee Jean Jacques Ndala due to a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi in the build-up. Television replays of the incident were contested regarding the extent of contact.

Shortly after the disallowed goal, Morocco was awarded a penalty in the 24th minute of added time at the end of normal play. The penalty was given following a VAR review for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Diaz.

• Senegal's coach, Pape Thiaw, instructed his team to leave the field in protest of the decision.
• This action led to a match delay of approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
• Senegal players initially complied with Thiaw's directive, with Sadio Mane notably encouraging his teammates to resume play. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy also expressed pride in the team's return.
• Coach Thiaw later expressed regret for his decision, stating it occurred "in the heat of the moment" and that the team accepts referee decisions.
• Upon the team's return to the field, Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz took the penalty, which was saved by Senegal's goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy.

• Morocco's ball boys and flag bearers faced scrutiny for their conduct. Incidents included attempts to take Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy's towel. Reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was reportedly tackled and dragged across the turf while protecting a towel. Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi was observed throwing a Senegalese towel.
• During the delay caused by the penalty protest, some Senegalese fans in their section of the stadium reportedly threw objects, including chairs, and attempted to access the field of play. Clashes between fans and stadium security staff were also reported.

Initial CAF Disciplinary Board Ruling

Following the final, CAF conducted an initial disciplinary hearing and imposed fines totaling over $1 million, along with player and coach bans that applied exclusively to African competitions.

• Senegal's coach Pape Thiaw received a five-game ban from African competitions and an individual fine of $100,000 for instructing his team to leave the pitch.
• The Senegalese soccer federation was fined $615,000 for unsporting and improper conduct by players, coaching staff, and supporters.
• Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were each banned for two African games for unprofessional behavior towards the referee.

• Morocco's federation was fined $315,000 for the behavior of its players, coaching staff, and fans (including laser use), and an additional $200,000 for the conduct of its ball boys.
• Morocco's Achraf Hakimi received a two-game ban (one game suspended), and Ismael Saibari was banned for three games and fined $100,000 for unsporting behavior.

At this initial stage, CAF dismissed an appeal from Morocco to cancel the match result and declare Morocco the winner. The on-field match result remained 1-0 to Senegal at this point. FIFA president Gianni Infantino had publicly stated that Senegal players leaving the pitch was not acceptable.

CAF Appeal Board Overturns Result

Approximately 57 days after the final, the CAF Appeal Board issued a new ruling, prompted by an appeal from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF).

The Appeal Board overturned Senegal's 1-0 victory and declared that Senegal had forfeited the final match. Consequently, a 3-0 victory was awarded to Morocco. This decision superseded the initial ruling by the CAF Disciplinary Board.

The ruling cited Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

• Article 82 states that a team withdrawing, not reporting for, refusing to play, or leaving a match without authorization shall be considered a loser and eliminated.
• Article 84 specifies that the forfeiting team is ruled to have lost the match 3-0, unless the opponent was leading by a more advantageous scoreline.

This verdict grants Morocco its first African title since 1976. It denies Senegal its second AFCON title, having previously won in 2021.

Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, departed two weeks prior to this ruling, following criticism regarding the team's AFCON performance.

Reactions to the Appeal Ruling

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announced its intention to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow called the ruling a "travesty" and a "shame for Africa," asserting it lacked legal basis. The Senegalese government issued a statement describing CAF's ruling as "grossly unlawful and profoundly unjust," claiming it contradicted sporting ethics and misinterpreted regulations. Senegal has also called for an independent international inquiry into allegations of corruption within CAF's governing bodies. Several Senegalese squad members posted reactions on social media, including laughing emojis and statements affirming their championship. An appeal to CAS typically takes approximately one year to reach a verdict.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation accepted the verdict. It stated its objective was to request the application of competition regulations rather than challenge the teams' sporting performance, reiterating its commitment to rule adherence and stability within African competitions. The decision was met with a positive reception in Morocco.

The decision was met with widespread anger and disappointment in Senegal.

Broader Diplomatic and Legal Context

The aftermath of the final and subsequent rulings reportedly created diplomatic tension between Senegal and Morocco. Officials from both nations have called for calm and emphasized their continued friendly relations.

In Morocco, rights groups criticized what they described as hate speech directed at sub-Saharan African residents. Senegalese Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, during a trip to Morocco shortly after the game, remarked that the reactions should be interpreted as "emotional outbursts produced by fervor and not as political or cultural rifts."

Some Senegal fans were detained and 18 were jailed in Morocco for hooliganism, prompting protests in Dakar. Pre-final complaints from the FSF included issues with ticket allocation, accommodation, and player security. Both Senegal and Morocco have qualified for the upcoming 2026 World Cup.