Morocco declared AFCON champions after Senegal's January victory is overturned
· Yahoo Sports
The Confederation of African Football appeal board has ruled that Morocco is the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations champions after it declared Senegal "have forfeited the Final." Senegal's 1-0 victory is now recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco nearly two months after the match ended in chaos.
During the Jan. 18 final, Senegal held an in-game protest for 15 minutes by leaving the field during second half stoppage time. Fans attempted to enter the field following the awarding of a penalty kick to Morocco with the score tied 0-0. That decision came just minutes after what would have been a winning goal for Senegal was called off at the other end.
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That led to both benches breaking out into a fight on the sidelines. Eventually, Senegal manager Pape Thiaw called his team off the field and into the locker room out.
CONTROVERSY ERUPTS IN RABAT!! đ±
â beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) January 18, 2026
đ€ A highly disputed penalty awarded to Morocco sent the match into chaos
đš Senegal took a drastic stand, leaving the pitch for 12 minutes in protest
đș Donât miss all AFCON action, only on beIN SPORTS#beINSPORTS#beINAFCON2025#CAN2025⊠pic.twitter.com/mIQlFwvVjZ
While the players were off the field, a fight broke out in the Senegal supportersâ section. Several supporters were seen fighting with stadium security, throwing chairs and more behind the goal.
Once everything got under control, Senegal returned to the field to continue the game. Morocco forward Brahim DĂaz missed his penalty kick that he was awarded nearly 20 minutes earlier, which sent the final into extra time.
In the 94th minute, Pape Gueye hit the game-winner and sealed Senegal's second AFCON title in the past three tournaments.
A week after the match, CAF fined the Senegal Football Federation $615,000 and Thiaw was banned for five 2027 AFCON qualifying matches and given a $100,000 fine himself. Senegal players Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr were suspended two matches.
The Morocco football federation was given a $315,000 fine with $200,000 of that total due to the actions of the host stadium's ball boys who attempted to distract Senegal goalkeeper Ădouard Mendy by taking his towel on the rainy night. Captain Achraf Hakimi was suspended for two matches and Ismael Saibari was banned for three games.
In its announcement on Tuesday, CAF said that Saibari's suspension is reduced to two matches and the fine in regards to the ball boys' behavior is now $50,000.