On January 19, 2026, Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in extra time to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final. However, Morocco filed a complaint after the match, accusing Senegal of walking off the pitch. On March 18, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially announced that Senegal had forfeited the final, and the result was changed to a 3-0 victory for Morocco, who were crowned champions.
French media outlets have reported that Senegal could also be banned from participating in the next Africa Cup of Nations.
The reports state:
Morocco has been awarded a 3-0 win and has reclaimed the trophy they did not win on the pitch. But for Senegal, the worst may be yet to come.
In addition to losing the title, the national team faces an even bleaker prospect. CAF may invoke Article 59 of its statutes, which leaves little room for interpretation.
The article states: “Any association declaring forfeit after the start of the matches shall be fined twenty thousand US dollars. It shall also not be allowed to participate in the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
In short, after being stripped of the title, if this article is strictly enforced, Senegal could be banned from the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. This catastrophic scenario would leave Senegal without a major tournament for four years. Senegalese football is not just anxious, but in shock.
