Disgrace as CAF Awards AFCON Title to Morocco After Two Months

By Desmond Nleya
In a stunning and controversial decision, Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding it instead to Morocco following a late-night ruling on 17 March 2026.

The CAF Appeal Board upheld an appeal lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), overturning the earlier decision that had allowed Senegal to retain their 1–0 victory in the TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025 final. As a result, the match has now been declared forfeited, with Morocco awarded a 3–0 win.

According to CAF, Senegal’s conduct during the final fell foul of tournament regulations, specifically Articles 82 and 84, leading to the forfeiture ruling. The decision effectively rewrites the outcome of the final played on 18 January 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Senegal had initially been crowned champions after an extra-time goal by Pape Gueye.

The match had already been marred by controversy. Earlier disciplinary action saw Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw handed a five-match suspension and fined for misconduct. Players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaïla Sarr were also suspended following altercations involving the referee. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) was fined $615,000 for multiple disciplinary breaches.

Morocco, however, was not without fault. The FRMF had initially been fined $315,000 for various incidents involving players, supporters, and matchday operations. Following the appeal, some of these sanctions were reduced. Notably, Moroccan player Ismaël Saibari saw his suspension reduced from three matches to two, with one match suspended, and his financial penalty scrapped.

Additional fines against Morocco were also revised, including a reduction related to ball boy misconduct and laser incidents in the stands. However, a $100,000 fine linked to interference near the VAR review area was upheld.

This dramatic reversal—coming nearly two months after the final—marks one of the most shocking decisions in AFCON history, officially transferring the continental crown from Senegal to Morocco and igniting debate across the football world.