Timeline of AFCON 2025 title stripping: Senegal upset over forfeit loss, potential rift with African Football Confederation.
On 18 March 2026, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Morocco became one of the most dramatic games in history when turmoil in the final 30 minutes nearly caused the match to be halted.
Tensions flared in stoppage time at the 90+2 minute mark when Senegal scored, but the referee called a foul on a minor incident and did not use VAR, causing strong dissatisfaction among players and staff.
The situation escalated at 90+8 minutes when host Morocco was awarded a penalty after the referee reviewed VAR and saw a shirt pull on Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area.
By 90+12 minutes, Senegal's head coach Papé Thiao ordered the players off the pitch in protest, halting the game for over 14 minutes and risking an immediate forfeit.
However, Sadio Mané played a key role in resolving the crisis by refusing to leave the field and urging teammates to return, saying, “We will fight like men, go back and finish the game!” The team resumed play at 90+21 minutes.
After prolonged negotiations, Morocco took the penalty, with Brahim Diaz attempting a Panenka shot, but Edouard Mendy read it perfectly and saved it.
In extra time at 94 minutes, Pape Gueye showcased his individual skill by dribbling past defenders and scoring a precise left-footed goal, giving Senegal a 1-0 lead amid stunned home fans. The match ended with this score, awarding Senegal their second AFCON title.
After the game, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) initially considered disciplinary sanctions including bans and fines for some players on both teams but upheld the original match result.
However, the story did not end there. CAF later ruled under Article 84 of competition regulations that unauthorized abandonment constituted forfeiture, resulting in Senegal being handed a 0-3 loss and stripped of the title.
This decision officially crowned Morocco as champions but drew heavy criticism from Senegal, which viewed the ruling as unjust in sporting terms and politically motivated enforcement of rules.
Reports also indicate Senegal is contemplating withdrawing from future AFCON tournaments, a move that would deeply shock African football given Senegal’s status as a leading nation on the continent.