Senegal have been stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title after the CAF Appeal Board ruled that the team forfeited the AFCON final, with Morocco declared 3–0 winners in a dramatic announcement by CAF on March 17, 2026.
The ruling overturned the earlier decision that had allowed Senegal to keep their 1–0 victory from the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final, played on January 18, 2026 at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium in Rabat.
The controversy stems from chaotic scenes during the final’s closing stages. Morocco received a controversial penalty in second-half stoppage time after Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled, and incensed at the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his players to leave the pitch with only Sadio Mane choosing to remain. After around 16 minutes, Mane was able to convince his teammates to return, and Morocco’s subsequent penalty was ultimately saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Despite resuming play, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal what appeared to be a 1–0 victory a result that has now been officially wiped from the record books.
The CAF Appeal Board ultimately determined that Senegal’s mass walk-off crossed a clear regulatory line. The board found that the conduct of the Senegal team fell within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, and that by leaving the field of play, Senegal was deemed to have infringed on those rules, leading to the administrative 3–0 defeat.
The ruling also came with broader disciplinary fallout: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw had previously been handed a five-match suspension, two Senegalese players were sanctioned, and the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football was fined $615,000 following multiple disciplinary breaches.
Morocco, meanwhile, were fined a combined $160,000 for fan behavior and interference near the VAR area, though their appeal to be awarded the title was fully upheld.
