In a significant development in African football, Senegal has been stripped of its AFCON title, with Morocco officially declared the champion following a contentious final match on January 18, 2026. The decision, announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), comes after Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time.
The match, held in Rabat, ended with a recorded score of 3-0 in favor of Morocco. The penalty, which was awarded after a VAR check, ignited protests from the Senegalese team, leading to a 15-minute delay before they returned to the pitch. Pape Gueye had initially scored a goal for Senegal in the 94th minute, but the subsequent events overshadowed this moment.
Key moments
The chaotic scenes during the final included a pitch invasion and widespread protests against the officiating. Following the match, the CAF Appeals Committee ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, applying Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. This ruling was a result of an appeal made by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which sought to address the unsportsmanlike conduct displayed during the match.
Both teams have faced fines exceeding $1 million for their conduct during the final. The ruling has sparked outrage among Senegalese players and officials, with coach Pape Thiaw expressing regret over the decision to take his players off the pitch. “I regret taking my players off the pitch,” he stated, highlighting the emotional toll of the situation.
Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, criticized the events surrounding the final, stating, “The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful.” His comments reflect a broader concern about the implications of such controversies on the reputation of African football on the international stage.
Senegal now has the option to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 10 days. The CAF Appeals Committee dismissed all other motions or prayers for relief, leaving Senegal with limited avenues for recourse. The ruling has ignited discussions about the integrity of officiating in African football and the potential need for reforms.
As the dust settles on this controversial final, reactions continue to pour in from players and officials alike. Star player Sadio Mane remarked, “It would have been really a shame and sad to see this kind of thing, this kind of scenario happen,” reflecting the disappointment felt by many in the football community. The fallout from this event will likely influence future AFCON tournaments and the governance of football in Africa.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the potential impact of this ruling on Senegal’s footballing future and the broader implications for the AFCON tournament. As the situation develops, both teams and their supporters await clarity on the next steps in this unfolding saga.
