Confederation of African Football has declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after overturning the outcome of a controversial final against Senegal.

Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory in the January 18 final, a match marred by drama after Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the game still goalless.

Following a delay of about 17 minutes, play resumed, with Brahim Diaz seeing his penalty saved before Pape Gueye netted the decisive goal in extra time.

However, CAF’s appeal board has now nullified that result. In a statement, the governing body announced that Senegal are "declared to have forfeited the final match" with the "result of the match being recorded as 3-0 in favour" of Morocco.

CAF explained that "through the conduct of its team" Senegal breached Article 82 of the competition’s regulations, triggering Article 84. Article 82 states that any team that refuses to continue play or leaves the field without the referee’s permission is deemed to have lost, while Article 84 enforces a 3-0 forfeiture and elimination.

The decision followed an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), which CAF confirmed is "declared admissible in form" and was upheld.

In response, the Senegalese Football Federation described the ruling as "unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable", and indicated it will challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

Meanwhile, the FRMF clarified that its appeal was "never intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams" but rather to ensure the "application of the competition's regulations".

"The federation reaffirms its commitment to respecting the rules, ensuring clarity in the competitive framework, and maintaining stability within African competitions," the FRMF stated.

"It also wishes to commend all the nations that took part in this edition of the Afcon, which has been a major moment for African football."