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

"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 Edouard Mendy and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time."

"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 Mane to complete the game."

The Confederation of African Football's appeals board reversed the results of the January 18 Africa Cup of Nations final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 default victory over Senegal's original 1-0 extra-time win. Senegal's team protested and left the field for 15 minutes during stoppage time after Morocco was awarded a controversial penalty, with fans attempting to storm the field. The penalty decision followed a disputed disallowed Senegal goal moments earlier. Morocco's penalty kick was saved, but Senegal scored in extra time to win. Senegal announced plans to appeal the CAF decision, potentially through the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Senegal players expressed frustration on social media regarding the reversal.

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