Senegal will challenge a ruling that overturned its Africa Cup of Nations victory. The case now heads to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The decision came late Tuesday. The Confederation of African Football said Senegal had “forfeited the Final Match” under tournament rules, awarding hosts Morocco a 3-0 victory.
It rewrites the outcome of the January 18 final. Senegal had won 1-0 after extra time. The match ended in confusion.
The turning point came in stoppage time. Officials awarded Morocco a penalty. Senegal players left the field in protest. Play halted for 17 minutes.
When the game resumed, Brahim Diaz missed from the spot. His “panenka” was saved. Then Senegal scored through Pape Gueye in extra time. The title appeared settled.
CAF later revisited the incident. Its Appeal Board cited “application of Article 84.” That clause governs forfeits tied to misconduct. The ruling states the match is “recorded as 3–0” for Morocco’s federation.
The legal basis rests on two provisions. Article 82 says a team that “refuses to play” or leaves the field “without the referee’s authorisation” is considered the loser. Article 84 sets the sanction. Violation leads to a 3-0 defeat and elimination.
CAF concluded Senegal breached those rules. The board said the team’s actions amounted to a refusal to continue. That interpretation now defines the result.
Senegal rejects the finding. Its federation called the decision “iniquitous, unprecedented and unacceptable.” It said the ruling “threw discredit on African football.” The federation added it would “engage… an appeal procedure” before CAS “with the shortest delay.”
A senior official went further. The secretary general described the outcome as a “shame for Africa” in remarks to the state broadcaster.
Morocco’s federation had filed the initial appeal. It welcomed the verdict in an early response. The decision ends a 49-year wait for the country’s second continental title.
The consequences extend across both squads. Senegal players lose official champion status, including Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye. Also affected are Mamadou Sarr, Nicolas Jackson, El Hadji Malick Diouf and Ismaila Sarr.
On the Moroccan side, players gain a retroactive title. That includes Noussair Mazraoui, Achraf Hakimi and Diaz.
Reaction among Senegal’s players was muted in public statements. On social media, some signaled disbelief. Several posted laughing emojis alongside images of the trophy and celebrations.
The next phase will take time. CAS proceedings often stretch close to a year. Until then, CAF’s ruling stands.
