In mid-January, Senegal would win their second African Cup of Nations, with the first being not too long ago in 2021 with a win on penalties over Egypt. However, that title has now been stripped from Les Lions de la Teranga and given to Morocco.
As it would take an extra time goal to be crowned champions, it didn’t come without controversy in the game. During stoppage time, Morocco would be awarded a penalty, that would cause head coach Pape Thiaw and his players to leave the field in protest, also causing fans to attempt to storm the field. They would return, and the penalty would be taken by Brahim Díaz, but saved by Édouard Mendy that would force overtime.
It has now come out that appeals judges would overturn the victory to the chaotic final. The Confederation of African Football said its appeal board ruled Senegal was “declared to have forfeited the final.” Morocco has noe been given a 3-0 default win.
The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport based in Lausanne, Switzerland. CAF cited article 82 to justify its verdict. This now becomes the host nations first title since 1976. If Senegal decides to appeal the verdict, it could take over a year, which would be well after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Morocco will now head to the United States as the reigning African champions.
