The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) will issue a verdict within days on the contested Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title following a high-stakes appeal hearing in Switzerland on Thursday.
The dispute stems from a chaotic final hosted in Rabat nine months ago where Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time. Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal following a dramatic moment in stoppage time when Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz missed a penalty kick attempt saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Despite Senegal winning on the pitch, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board stripped Senegal of the trophy in March and awarded a 3–0 default victory to Morocco. CAF cited tournament rules on team forfeits after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch to protest the late penalty award causing a 15-minute delay.
Senegal’s appeal hinges on the authority of match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala who did not abandon the fixture. Supported by forward Sadio Mane, Senegal returned to complete the match under the referee's direction. Under Law 5.2 of the Laws of the Game, referee decisions regarding match facts and final results are definitive.
CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb confirmed that the three-judge tribunal aims to deliver a final ruling in a few days to officially crown the continental champion.
