The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially handed Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after overturning the result of the final following Senegal’s controversial walk-off.
Senegal beat Morocco 1–0 in the final on 18 January 2026, but the match was marred by a lengthy stoppage after Senegal’s players refused to continue playing when the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the game still goalless.
After a delay of around 17 minutes, play eventually resumed. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz saw his penalty saved, before Senegal’s Pape Gueye went on to score the winner in extra time.
However, that result has now been scrapped following a ruling by CAF’s Appeal Board.
In a statement released on Tuesday night, CAF confirmed that, under Article 84 of the AFCON regulations, Senegal are deemed to have forfeited the final, with the match now recorded as a 3–0 win for Morocco.
The decision came after an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which CAF said was valid and has now been upheld.
CAF added that Senegal, “through the conduct of its team”, breached Article 82 of the competition rules, triggering the application of Article 84.
Under Article 82, any team that refuses to play or leaves the pitch without the referee’s approval is considered to have lost and is eliminated. Article 84 reinforces this by awarding a 3–0 result against the offending team.
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