CAF Hands Morocco AFCON Crown After Senegal Sanctioned for Walk-Off

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), overturning Senegal’s on-field victory following a decisive ruling by its Appeal Board.

In a statement issued after reviewing the controversial final, CAF announced that Senegal forfeited the match after players briefly walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

The governing body consequently awarded Morocco a 3–0 walkover victory.

The dramatic decision followed an appeal lodged by Morocco over the incident, which disrupted the closing moments of the tournament’s showpiece match.

Although Senegal, captained by Sadio Mané, later returned to the field and went on to secure a 1–0 win, CAF ruled that the initial walk-off constituted a breach of its regulations.

CAF cited Article 84 of its disciplinary code, which addresses refusal to play or abandonment of a match.

The provision stipulates that any team that leaves the field without authorization or declines to continue play is liable to forfeiture and potential disqualification.

The ruling strips Senegal of the AFCON title and awards the championship to Morocco, bringing a stunning and contentious conclusion to the 2025 tournament.