Ruling overturns Senegal's Africa Cup title and declares Morocco the champion. Senegal to appeal

Ruling overturns Senegal's Africa Cup title and declares Morocco the champion. Senegal to appeal Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title by appeals judges who overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final in January By GRAHAM DUNBAR AP sports writer March 17, 2026, 5:51 PM GENEVA -- Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday by governing body judges who overturned Senegal’s victory in a chaotic final in January. The Confederation of African Football said its appeals board ruled that Senegal is “declared to have forfeited the final” and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco. Senegal later said it would appeal the decision, but did not indicate where. One such avenue is the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a Lausanne, Switzerland-based independent body which settles sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation. In the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, Senegal players led by coach Pape Thiaw left the field in protest during stoppage time for 15 minutes — and fans tried to storm the field — when Morocco was awarded a penalty that was set to decide the match. When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s spot kick — a controversial slow chip shot known as a “Panenka” — was saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time. Tension in the stadium was already raised by Senegal being denied a goal minutes before the penalty was given to Morocco. In the second minute of stoppage time, Senegal’s apparent go-ahead goal was ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, but TV replays showed little contact on Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi. After the Senegal walk-off, the team's return to the field seemed to be as a result of urging by star forward Sadio Mané to complete the game. At an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines of more than $1 million in fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials but left the result untouched. Senegal...