AFCON Final Result Overturned By CAF, Morrocco Announced As AFCON 2025 Winners!

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco the winners of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 after dramatically overturning Senegal’s on-field 1-0 extra-time victory in the final played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.

The CAF Appeal Board, in a decision announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, ruled that Senegal forfeited the match due to their players walking off the pitch in protest during stoppage time. The result has now been recorded as a 3-0 default win for the host nation, handing Morocco their first AFCON title since 1976 and stripping Senegal of what would have been their second continental crown.

Recall the chaotic scenes that unfolded at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The match was locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes when a Senegal goal was controversially disallowed in stoppage time. Moments later, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Brahim Díaz. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw ordered his team off the field in anger, sparking a 14-17 minute delay amid fan unrest and near pitch invasions. Sadio Mané reportedly convinced his teammates to return, the penalty was saved by Édouard Mendy, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time to give Senegal the 1-0 win on the night.

But Morocco’s Royal Football Federation (FRMF) appealed, citing Article 82 of the AFCON regulations, which states that a team refusing to play or leaving the field without referee authorisation shall be considered the loser and eliminated. The Appeal Board upheld the protest, applying Article 84 to declare Senegal forfeited and award the 3-0 victory to Morocco.

CAF’s statement read: “The Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match… with the result of the Match being recorded as 3–0 in favour of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF).”

Morocco’s federation welcomed the ruling, stressing it was not about challenging the sporting performance but ensuring rules are followed. “We reaffirm our commitment to respecting the rules and maintaining stability in African competitions,” the FRMF added.

Senegal players have reacted defiantly on social media. Some posted trophy celebration photos with captions like “Champions forever” and “Come and get it!” while coach Pape Thiaw later admitted the walk-off was a decision made “in the heat of the moment.”

The drama has sent shockwaves across Africa, with fans in Nigeria and beyond debating the fairness of the decision. Many Teranga Lions supporters insist the title belongs to Senegal on the pitch, while others say rules are rules.

NaijaChoice News understands this could be the final word within CAF, though Senegal may still take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

This historic reversal means Morocco now lifts the trophy as hosts, capping a tournament filled with passion but ending in controversy. African football continues to deliver unforgettable moments.