Posted by Samuel on Wed 18th Mar, 2026 - tori.ng
The CAF Appeal Board ruled in favour of Morocco, declaring that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON final when they walked off the field during the final game.
Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for stripping Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
CAF announced on Tuesday evening that Morocco is now the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The CAF Appeal Board ruled in favour of Morocco, declaring that Senegal had forfeited the AFCON final when they walked off the field during the final game.
For this reason, Morocco were awarded a 3–0 walkover victory.
This decision upholds Morocco’s appeal following the chaotic events in the match.
Morocco had remained on the pitch after the centre referee awarded them a controversial penalty while Senegalese players, propelled by their coach, protested by walking off the pitch.
Only Sadio Mane, the team’s captain, remained on the field of play and later persuaded others to come back and continue the match.
Morocco missed the penalty as Senegal went on to win the game by a lone goal.
Angered by CAF’s decision, Sani wrote on X, “Senegal won the AFCON on the pitch but was snatched by CAF in the Boardroom; that’s unconscionable and a dangerous precedent in African football.
“The fact that the Senegalese team walked out in protest and returned to play till the final whistle doesn’t warrant this afterthought daylight robbery. They just want to reward Morocco for hosting and losing.”