Africa Nations Cup: Senegal stripped of title, Morocco declared winners

With Senegal deciding to appeal against the verdict, the case could go to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Morocco were awarded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title by Confederation of African Football (CAF) body judges who overturned Senegal's 1-0 victory in a chaotic final held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat in January.

The said CAF said its appeals board ruled that Senegal is "declared to have forfeited the final" and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco.

It may be recalled that in the final held on January 18 final Senegal players led by coach Pape Thiaw left the field in protest during stoppage time for 15 minutes - and fans tried to storm the field - when Morocco was awarded a penalty that was set to decide the match.

When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz's spot kick - a controversial slow chip shot known as a "Panenka" - was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time.

Tension in the stadium was already raised by Senegal being denied a goal minutes before the penalty was given to Morocco.

In the second minute of stoppage time, Senegal's apparent go-ahead goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, but TV replays showed little contact on Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.

After the Senegal walk-off, the team's return to the field seemed to be as a result of urging by star forward Sadio Maneto complete the game.

The game went to extra time, and Idrissa Gueye's brilliant 94th-minute strike won it for Senegal.

At an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines of more than $1 million in fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials but left the result untouched.

Senegal to appeal

Senegal say they will appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

But any appeal by Senegal to CAS in Lausanne, Switzerland, would typically take about a year to reach a verdict.

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said in a statement its appeal "was never intended to contest the sporting performance of the teams participating in this competition, but solely to request the application of the competition regulations".

The verdict on Tuesday (March 17) awards Morocco its first African title since 1976 and denied Senegal its second title, and second within three editions after also lifting the trophy in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)