Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Morocco has officially been crowned champions after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s original victory in the final.
Photo by Abdel Majid via Getty Images
The decision, announced by CAF’s appeals board, reversed the result of the January 2026 final that initially saw Senegal defeat Morocco 1–0 after extra time. Following months of investigation and disciplinary proceedings related to incidents during the match, CAF ruled that Senegal had effectively forfeited the final due to their actions during the game. As a result, the final result was officially changed to a 3–0 victory for Morocco, awarding the host nation the AFCON title.
The ruling brings an extraordinary conclusion to what had already been one of the most chaotic finals in the tournament’s long history.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final took place on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The match featured two of Africa’s strongest football nations: Senegal and Morocco.
The final remained tense and scoreless throughout regulation time. As the match progressed into stoppage time, controversy erupted when Morocco was awarded a penalty following a VAR review that judged Senegal had fouled Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz during a corner kick. 
The decision sparked immediate protests from Senegal’s players and coaching staff. In response, members of the Senegal team temporarily walked off the pitch, causing the match to be halted for approximately fifteen minutes while officials attempted to restore order. 
When play eventually resumed, Morocco’s penalty was taken by Brahim Díaz but was saved by Senegal’s goalkeeper. The match then continued into extra time.
Shortly afterward, Senegal scored the decisive goal through midfielder Pape Gueye, giving the Teranga Lions a 1–0 lead. Senegal held on to that advantage and were initially declared champions of Africa following the final whistle.
However, the controversy surrounding the events during the match would continue long after the trophy presentation.
The AFCON final was overshadowed by several incidents that drew widespread criticism from football officials and governing bodies.
The most significant moment came when Senegal’s players left the field in protest after the penalty decision. Their temporary walk-off halted the match and disrupted the natural flow of the game. 
There were also tense scenes inside the stadium as frustrated supporters attempted to enter the field, creating additional concerns for security and match control.
The chaotic events prompted strong reactions from global football authorities. FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the scenes as “unacceptable,” emphasizing that teams must respect the decisions made by referees and continue competing within the laws of the game. 
CAF subsequently launched disciplinary proceedings to review the events of the final and determine whether sanctions should be imposed.
Following the match, CAF conducted multiple investigations into the conduct of players, officials, and supporters from both teams.
Several disciplinary actions were issued in the weeks following the final. Senegal’s coach received a suspension for unsporting conduct, and both football federations were fined substantial amounts for incidents involving players, staff, and supporters. 
Despite the disciplinary measures, the initial ruling from CAF’s disciplinary committee left the final result unchanged, meaning Senegal remained AFCON champions at that time.
However, Morocco’s football federation continued to challenge the decision, arguing that the walk-off by Senegal’s players disrupted the match and violated competition rules.
The case was eventually escalated to CAF’s appeals board for further review.
In a stunning development announced on March 17, 2026, CAF’s appeals board ruled that Senegal had effectively forfeited the match due to their conduct during the final.
The ruling stated that the walk-off by Senegal’s players constituted a breach of competition regulations, and therefore the match result would be reversed.
CAF officially declared that Senegal had forfeited the final and that Morocco would be awarded a 3–0 victory by default, making them the official AFCON champions. 
The decision instantly rewrote the outcome of the tournament and handed Morocco the title in a way rarely seen in international football.
With the appeals ruling, Morocco was officially crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions, completing a remarkable turnaround after originally losing the final on the field.
The decision was especially significant because Morocco had hosted the tournament and reached the final after a strong campaign throughout the competition.
Although the victory did not come in the traditional manner, it still places Morocco among the champions of African football and adds another major title to the nation’s football history.
For Moroccan supporters, the ruling represents a form of justice after months of debate surrounding the controversial events in the final.
While the CAF appeals decision is currently the official ruling, the situation may not yet be completely resolved.
The case could potentially be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland if Senegal chooses to challenge the decision further. 
CAS serves as the highest authority for resolving disputes in international sports, and any appeal there could lead to another review of the events surrounding the AFCON final.
For now, however, CAF’s ruling stands, and Morocco remains the officially recognized champion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The dramatic reversal of the AFCON final result has made the 2025 tournament one of the most controversial in the history of African football.
Football finals are normally remembered for iconic goals, unforgettable performances, and celebrations of victory. In this case, the match will likely be remembered for the chaos, disputes, and legal decisions that followed.
Despite the controversy, the events have sparked important conversations about discipline, respect for match officials, and the importance of maintaining the integrity of the game.
For African football, the situation serves as a reminder that the sport continues to evolve and that strong governance is essential to protect the competition’s credibility.
The overturning of the AFCON final result is a rare occurrence in international football, highlighting the seriousness with which governing bodies treat breaches of competition rules.
CAF’s decision demonstrates its willingness to take strong action when match regulations are violated. At the same time, it underscores the importance of maintaining order, discipline, and respect during major international competitions.
For fans across Africa and around the world, the events surrounding the AFCON final have become a significant moment in the tournament’s history.
While debates about the ruling will likely continue, the official record now shows Morocco as the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Africa Cup of Nations has always been known for its passion, intensity, and unforgettable football moments. The 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco will now be remembered as one of the most extraordinary endings the tournament has ever seen.
What began as a hard-fought championship match ultimately evolved into a historic ruling that changed the outcome of the competition months later.
With Morocco now officially crowned champions, the story of this AFCON final will remain a defining chapter in African football history.
And for fans of the game, it serves as a powerful reminder that in football, the drama sometimes continues long after the final whistle.