Senegal have been stripped of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations gold medal, with Morocco now crowned champions after CAF overturned the final result following the controversial walk-off.
The Lions of Teranga had claimed a 1-0 win in the final on January 18, with Pape Gueye’s goal sealing a second continental title for them.
However, the match was overshadowed by controversy towards the closing stages of the 90 minutes, leading to a 16-minute delay.
Senegal were aggrieved after they had a goal ruled out, before they conceded a penalty deep into stoppage time after a VAR review for a foul on Brahim Diaz.
Head coach Pape Thiaw then signalled to his players to walk off the pitch, although Sadio Mane stayed on and encouraged his teammates to finish the game.
Related: CAF reveals sanctions for Senegal and Morocco after AFCON 2025 drama
After a 16-minute delay, the game eventually resumed with Diaz losing the spot-kick after attempting a panenka style which was saved by Edouard Mendy.
Gueye them scored the only goal of the encounter in first half of extra-time to seal the win for Senegal.
Meanwhile, CAF had previously laid out sanctions after the final, with Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and several other players that were involved in altercations, handed several fines and bans for their involvements.
The appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was also dismissed, although that has now been overturned.
What CAF said
The Confederations of African football (CAF) in a statement confirmed that Senegal had breached article 82 and 84 of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) regulations, which points to the refusal of a team to play or leave the pitch without the referee’s consent.
“The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the regulations…the Senegal national team is declared to have forfeited the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations with the result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour of [Morocco].
“All other motions or prayers for relief are dismissed”, the statement said.
What Next?
Senegal are expected to appeal the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sports in Lausanne, Switzerland.
However, Morocco are African champions for now, earning their first title since 1976.
