The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and declared Morocco as the new champions following disciplinary action over incidents during the final.

In a statement issued yesterday, CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match despite their 1-0 victory in the final held in January. As a result, the governing body awarded Morocco a 3-0 win in accordance with competition regulations.

The decision followed a series of disruptions late in the match, when several Senegal players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco. The incident caused a delay of nearly 20 minutes.

The situation was further aggravated when some Senegal supporters reportedly attempted to enter the field shortly before the match ended, contributing to the tense atmosphere.

CAF stated that Senegal’s actions were deemed as a refusal to continue the match, which constitutes a forfeit under tournament rules.

Meanwhile, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) clarified that its position was not to dispute Senegal’s performance, but to ensure that the rules of the competition were properly enforced.

The controversy began when Morocco were awarded a penalty in the closing stages of regulation time while the match was still goalless. Senegal’s players protested the decision, leading to the temporary stoppage.

After play resumed, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty. Senegal later scored through Pape Gueye in extra time, seemingly securing the title before CAF’s ruling overturned the result.

CAF’s decision brings a dramatic end to a highly controversial final and highlights ongoing concerns over officiating and match control in major tournaments.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE