The Senegalese government firmly rejects the decision of the Appeal Jury of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The body annulled the title of champion awarded to Senegal, applying article 84 of the CAN regulations. CAF subsequently declared Senegal forfeit the final of the TotalEnergies CAF CAN Morocco 2025, and ratified the match with a score of 3-0 in favor of Morocco.

However, this decision is not going down well in Senegal. The CAF officially withdrew the title in favor of Morocco. In response, the Senegalese government issued a press release on March 18, 2026, expressing its dismay and announcing that it would appeal to the relevant authorities. The aim was clear: to defend the honor of the national team. According to the authorities, this decision undermines the credibility of sporting institutions.

Senegal is also calling for a full investigation into the matter. The authorities intend to refer the matter to African and international bodies, with the aim of obtaining a fair decision as soon as possible.

A controversy born in the field

The controversy began in the final minutes of the match, when the Senegalese players briefly left the pitch to protest against a disputed refereeing decision. The match then resumed, and extra time saw Pape Gueye score the decisive goal, giving Senegal what appeared to be victory.

The CAF considers this gesture to be contrary to the rules. It invoked articles 82 and 84 of the regulations. It annulled the result obtained on the pitch. It awarded the title to Morocco on a green carpet. The Senegalese Football Federation denounced the penalty as unfair. It announces an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). It defends the principle of the result obtained on the pitch.

In the end, Senegal lost a title won on the pitch. Morocco wins an administrative title. CAF's credibility was challenged. What happens next depends on the decisions of CAS and the relevant authorities.

Anita MENOUNGA