CAF Hands AFCON 2025 Title to Morocco After Senegal Forfeit

Controversial decision overturns Senegal’s victory following late-match walkout The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco, overturning Senegal’s on-field victory after ruling that the Teranga Lions forfeited the final. The decision follows a formal protest lodged by Morocco after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch during the closing moments of the final in Rabat, protesting a contentious penalty decision. CAF concluded that the walkout constituted a breach of competition rules, effectively bringing the match to a premature end. Referring to Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, the governing body determined that Senegal’s actions amounted to a refusal to continue play, triggering an automatic forfeit. The final result has therefore been officially recorded as a 3–0 win in favor of Morocco. The match had progressed into extra time after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed a penalty, with Senegal taking the lead through Pape Gueye and initially believing they had secured their second continental title. However, CAF’s Appeal Board upheld Morocco’s claim, ruling that Senegal’s conduct fell within the scope of disciplinary sanctions outlined in the regulations. The decision grants Morocco its second AFCON title, and first since 1976. Senegal may still appeal the ruling before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest authority in international sports disputes. Source: Newstimehub CAF AFCON 2025 Morocco Senegal Football