CAF awarded the Africa Cup to Morocco after Senegal left the field

The controversy surrounding the Africa Cup final remains unresolved: Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 on the pitch in mid-January, but CAF awarded the title to Morocco after the Senegalese left the field in the closing minutes. The Lions of Teranga appealed and are now waiting for a verdict.

In the wake of the walk-off, Morocco was awarded a 3-0 administrative victory. That decision has put the application of the rules at the centre of the dispute, while Senegal’s appeal remains pending.

A 74-year-old former Anderlecht defender argued that the rule must be applied, while acknowledging how harsh the outcome was for Senegal: « It is very hard for Senegal to lose this way, but the rule is clear: if you leave the field, a forfeit is declared. The match ends there. You lose by forfeit. Full stop. Morocco keeps the cup. The rules are made to be respected. »

The title’s fate therefore remains tied to the verdict expected after the Lions of Teranga’s appeal.