The Court of Arbitration for Sport is preparing to rule on the dispute over the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Morocco, a case that could decide which team is recognised as champion.
Senegal originally won the match 1–0 after extra time. However, CAF later overturned that result and awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory, stripping Senegal of the title.
Walk-off followed a disputed penalty
The controversy followed a late penalty incident during the final in Rabat. Senegal’s players briefly left the pitch in protest, bringing the match to a halt.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz had missed a controversial Panenka penalty before the restart. Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala then allowed the match to resume, a decision that could prove important to Senegal’s appeal.
Shortly after play restarted, Pape Gueye scored the goal that gave Senegal its original victory.
Appeal before CAS
Senegal is challenging CAF’s subsequent decision at CAS in Switzerland. The available details do not set out the full grounds of the appeal, but the referee’s decision to restart the game has been identified as a potentially crucial issue.
The case follows what was described as a chaotic final and has remained unresolved nine months after the match in Rabat. The dispute now places the official outcome of one of African football’s major finals before the sports tribunal.
CAS judges are expected to deliver their verdict within days. Their ruling could determine whether the original result is restored or Morocco’s 3–0 victory remains the official outcome.
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