Sports 17 March 2026 Daily Monitor (Uganda)
CAF Awards Africa Cup of Nations Title to Morocco After Senegal's Final Walk-Off Forfeit
Morocco has been officially declared Africa Cup of Nations champions for the second time after CAF's Appeal Board ruled Senegal forfeited the final due to their 14-minute walk-off protest. Senegal plans to challenge the 3-0 default victory awarded to Morocco at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Source: https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/sports/soccer/morocco-declared-african-champions-after-senegal-stripped-of-title-5394690
Morocco has been crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board. The ruling came after an appeal over the dramatic final held in Rabat on January 18, where Senegal walked off the pitch in protest against a late penalty.
Senegal returned after 14 minutes and won 1-0 in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye. However, the Appeal Board deemed the walk-off a forfeiture under Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.
This marks Morocco’s second Afcon title, 50 years after their first win. The incident also involved player clashes and spectator fights, damaging African football’s image, as acknowledged by CAF.
Senegal’s Football Federation condemned the verdict as baseless and vowed to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. ‘The truth and the law are on our side,’ stated SFF Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow.
Morocco’s federation welcomed the outcome, emphasizing respect for competition rules. CAF adjusted some penalties: lifting a $100,000 fine on Morocco’s Ismael Saibari and reducing his suspension, while upholding a fine on Morocco for VAR interference.
Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)