Senegal Loses AFCON Title, CAF Decision Sparks Outrage

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco after Senegal walked off the pitch in protest during the January final.

Senegal had initially defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time, with Pape Gueye scoring the winner after a missed stoppage-time penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.

CAF’s decision followed an appeal from the Moroccan Football Association (FRMF), citing regulations that a team leaving the field before full-time without the referee’s authorization forfeits the match. The ruling has ignited widespread criticism across African football.

Augustin Senghor, CAF executive committee member and former head of the Senegalese Football Federation, called the decision “abject” and urged it to be denounced, arguing it violates FIFA laws and fair play principles. He suggested the ruling may have been influenced by pressure from Morocco’s football authorities and confirmed that Senegal would appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Senegalese Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall described the ruling as “unfair, unprecedented, and incomprehensible,” asserting the title legally cannot be taken from Senegal. Meanwhile, Morocco’s head coach Mohamed Ouahbi welcomed the decision, describing it as “well-deserved,” while emphasizing the need to focus on future competitions, including the World Cup.

The controversy highlights tensions in African football governance and raises questions over CAF’s rule enforcement, fairness, and decision-making processes.