CAF Awards Morocco AFCON 2025 Title After Overturning Senegal Victory with 3–0 Walkover Ruling

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially named Morocco as champions of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations following a decisive ruling by its Appeal Board.

PulseNets learned that the decision, released late Tuesday, March 17, 2026, upheld Morocco’s protest after Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch during the final at the Stade Olympique de Radès in Tunis. CAF consequently awarded Morocco a 3–0 walkover victory, overturning the initial on-field result where Senegal had secured a 1–0 win after extra time.

Background of the Controversy

PulseNets obtained that the final, played on February 9, 2026, saw Senegal take the lead in the 78th minute through a penalty converted by Sadio Mané. Tension escalated late in regulation time when referee Victor Gomes awarded Morocco a contentious penalty after a VAR review for handball against Kalidou Koulibaly.

PulseNets reported that Senegal players, led by captain Mané, momentarily exited the pitch in protest, describing the officiating as “blatant robbery” and expressing dissatisfaction with decisions throughout the tournament. After roughly eight minutes, Mané convinced his teammates to return, allowing the match to continue. Senegal ultimately held on to their 1–0 advantage and celebrated victory on the field.

Morocco, however, immediately filed a formal protest, arguing that the walk-off amounted to a refusal to continue play and a breach of Article 84 of CAF’s Disciplinary Code, which mandates forfeiture for teams abandoning a match without authorisation.

CAF Appeal Board’s Ruling

After reviewing match footage, official reports, and submissions from both federations, the Appeal Board ruled in Morocco’s favour.

PulseNets learnt that the Board concluded:

• Senegal’s walk-off constituted a deliberate refusal to play and abandonment of the field

• The duration of the protest did not mitigate the violation

• The original match result was nullified

• Morocco was awarded a 3–0 walkover victory and confirmed as AFCON 2025 champions

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated:
“This decision reinforces the integrity of our competitions and the principle that no team can unilaterally disrupt the conduct of a match. While we respect the passion of players and fans, the rules must be applied equally to all.”

Reactions and Fallout

PulseNets learnt that Morocco celebrated the ruling, with the Royal Moroccan Football Federation describing it as “justice served” while preparing nationwide celebrations.

On the other side, Senegal strongly rejected the verdict. PulseNets reported that the Senegalese Football Federation labelled it “unprecedented injustice” and confirmed plans to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Sadio Mané reacted on social media, stating:
“Football lost today. We won on the field, but politics won off it. Proud of my brothers.”

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Across the continent, reactions remain sharply divided. Moroccan supporters argue the ruling enforces discipline and respect for regulations, while many Senegalese fans and neutrals believe the decision stripped the Lions of a deserved title.

PulseNets learnt that the ruling marks a historic first in AFCON history, with no previous final overturned via walkover after full-time completion. The development has intensified debate around refereeing standards, player conduct, and the consistency of CAF’s disciplinary framework.