African football has been rocked by a stunning decision as the Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal national football team of their 2026 AFCON title and awarded the title to the Morocco national football team.
The ruling comes after CAF’s appeals board concluded that Senegal forfeited the final following their players’ walk-off in protest against a late penalty decision.
The original 1-0 victory for Senegal has now been officially overturned and recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco.
The controversial final, held in Rabat, had already been overshadowed by chaotic scenes. Senegal’s players, led by their coaching staff, briefly abandoned the pitch after the referee awarded a decisive penalty to Morocco late in regulation time. Although play eventually resumed and the penalty was missed, tensions never fully settled.
Matters escalated further with clashes between players, crowd disturbances, and unusual incidents around the pitch, including attempts to distract goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Senegal eventually scored in extra time through Pape Gueye to lift what was then considered their second continental title.
Initial disciplinary action saw heavy fines and suspensions for both sides, but the result had remained unchanged until now.
Senegal are expected to challenge the verdict, potentially taking the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Meanwhile, Morocco are officially recognised as African champions, in a decision that will remain one of the most controversial in AFCON history.