The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board has declared Senegal’s national team to have forfeited the final of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, a ruling that has dramatically altered the outcome of the continental tournament.
According to the decision, the board relied on Article 84 of the competition’s regulations, which outlines the procedure and consequences in cases involving match forfeiture.
By virtue of that provision, the final, originally played between Senegal and host nation Morocco, has now been officially awarded to Morocco with a 3–0 scoreline.
With the verdict, the earlier result on the pitch has been set aside, and the championship has been reassigned in line with the governing rules of the tournament.
Consequently, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football is now formally acknowledged as the winner of the 2025 edition of the competition.
Although the football body did not immediately release detailed explanations surrounding the infraction, forfeiture decisions of this nature are often associated with regulatory breaches such as ineligible players, administrative lapses, or other violations of match guidelines.
Through the enforcement of Article 84, CAF reaffirmed its determination to uphold discipline and safeguard the credibility of its flagship competitions.
Reactions are expected from supporters, football administrators, and stakeholders across the continent, especially in Senegal, where hopes had been high for another continental triumph.
Observers also note that the development reflects the growing influence of legal and disciplinary mechanisms in shaping major outcomes in African football.
More information may emerge in the coming days as CAF provides additional clarification on the circumstances that informed the ruling and its broader implications for future tournaments.
