Senegal stripped of Africa Cup of Nations over misconduct in final

The Confederation of African Football ruled that the result of the match will be recorded as 3-0 in favour of Morocco, the tournament hosts.

Tuesday 17 March 2026 22:47, UK
Image: Senegal's Sadio Mane lifts the trophy with teammates as they celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

Pic: Reuters
Senegal has been stripped of the African Cup of Nations after misconduct in the tournament final, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has ruled.

The CAF Appeal Board said that Senegal is "declared to have forfeited" the final in January, which will be recorded as a 3-0 win for Morocco, the tournament hosts.

During the match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Senegalese fans tried to storm the pitch and Senegal players walked off in protest after Morocco were awarded a penalty in the 98th minute.

Read more: How controversy unfolded in final
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation said after the match it would "pursue legal action" , saying the walk-off "had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the players' performance".

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FIFA boss Gianni Infantino hit out at the "unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands" as he criticised the behaviour of some "supporters" as well as Senegal players and staff.