AFCON Chaos: Senegal Lose Title as Morocco Declared Winners in Dramatic U-Turn

Morocco were crowned Africa Cup of Nations 2026 champions on Tuesday after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s victory in a dramatic and controversial final, ruling that the West African side had forfeited the match.

The decision relates to the January 18 final in Rabat, where Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. Despite returning after a lengthy delay and securing a 1-0 win in extra time through Papa Gueye—following Brahim Diaz’s missed penalty—CAF has now officially awarded the match to Morocco as a 3-0 victory.

CAF said Senegal’s actions violated tournament regulations, adding that the incident had damaged the image of African football. The Senegalese Football Federation (SFF) has strongly condemned the ruling and confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

“This decision has no legal basis. We will challenge it and will not back down,” SFF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow said. The verdict hands Morocco their second AFCON title—ending a 50-year wait since their only previous triumph—while their federation welcomed the outcome, saying it upheld the integrity of the competition’s rules.

Final marred by chaos

The controversy erupted deep into stoppage time when Senegal had a goal ruled out for a foul in Morocco’s box. Moments later, Morocco were awarded a penalty after Brahim Diaz was judged to have been fouled by El Hadji Malick Diouf. The decision sparked heated confrontations, with referee Jean-Jacques Ndala consulting VAR before confirming the call.

In protest, Senegal’s players walked off the field on the instructions of coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, returning only after nearly 20 minutes following intervention from captain Sadio Mane. Diaz then attempted a Panenka penalty, which was easily saved by Edouard Mendy.

Senegal went on to score what proved to be the decisive goal in extra time through Papa Gueye, but the result has now been nullified. CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84, which state that any team refusing to continue play or leaving the pitch without permission forfeits the match.

CAF also lifted the $100,000 fine on Morocco’s Ismael Saibari and reduced his suspension from three matches to one. However, Morocco’s fine for attempting to interfere with the VAR process will remain in place.