Africa’s football governing body CAF, via its appeal board, has ruled in favour of Morocco’s protest against Senegal in connection to the 2025 AFCON Final that had Senegal walk off the pitch but later return to complete the game en route to winning the title.
However, on Tuesday, March 17, CAF ruled that in accordance with Articles 82 and 84 of its regulation, Senegal forfeited the game with their actions and as such lost the game by 3-0 to Morocco which meant that Morocco have been declared winners of the 2025 AFCON.
Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after the walkout with midfielder Pape Gueye scoring the winning goal in extra time. The Teranga Lions walked off the pitch to protest against the penalty decision by referee Jean-Jacques Ndala but Brahim Diaz missed the ensuing penalty attempt that forced the game to extra time.
Initial punishment was handed out on January 29 after the fracas at the final but Morocco appealed the decision regarding Senegal’s conduct and their appeal was successful with this ruling from CAF’s Appeal Board. Scroll down to view a breakdown of the ruling:
– The CAF Disciplinary Board decision is set aside.
– The CAF Appeal Board further finds that the conduct of the Senegal team falls within the scope of Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– The protest lodged by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) is upheld.
– It is declared that the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF), through the conduct of its team, infringed Article 82 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations.
– In application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal team is declared to have forfeited the match, with the result recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).
