The Appeals Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a shocking decision, stripping Senegal of its African Cup of Nations title and awarding it to Morocco, 58 days after the highly controversial final.
Although Senegal secured victory on the pitch after a dramatic match, CAF ruled that the final would be officially recorded as a 3:0 win in favor of host nation Morocco.
In its official statement, CAF declared that Senegal had “forfeited” the match, citing Article 84 of the competition regulations. The decision stems from Senegal’s temporary walk-off in protest over a highly disputed penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time, as well as a previously disallowed goal.
Despite returning to the field and completing the match, CAF’s disciplinary bodies determined that the interruption constituted sufficient grounds for a default loss.
In the 114th minute, Brahim Díaz missed a crucial penalty for Morocco, attempting a “Panenka” that was easily saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Senegal eventually won the match in extra time thanks to a spectacular goal from Pape Gueye, but that result has now been overturned by an administrative ruling.
