The answer is simple: Senegal left the field during the CAN 2025 final against Morocco, in protest against a disputed penalty. This action, interpreted as a forfeit by the CAF Appeals Jury, was enough to erase the sporting victory of the Lions of Teranga and award the title to the Atlas Lions with a 3-0 score on a green carpet. In this article, we review the sequence of events, the CAF's decision, the additional sanctions, and what Senegal plans to do as an appeal.
What happened during the Morocco-Senegal final
The CAN 2025 final was played on January 18 in Morocco in an already tense atmosphere. After a hard-fought match, the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco, which caused complete incomprehension on the Senegalese side. Brahim Diaz stepped up, attempted a disastrous Panenka, and missed. The stadium erupted. Senegalese supporters invaded the pitch, and violence broke out with the stewards.
In the ensuing confusion, a majority of the Senegal players left the field and returned to the dressing room. A gesture of protest that would historically backfire on them. The match resumed after a long delay, and it was ultimately Pape Gueye who secured the victory for the Lions of Teranga in extra time, with a goal that seemed to seal the destiny of an entire nation.
Why CAF stripped Senegal of the title
The CAF Appeals Jury invoked Article 84 of the CAN regulations to declare Senegal forfeited. The logic is as follows: when players voluntarily leave the field and refuse to resume play within the allotted time, it constitutes an abandonment. No matter what happened before, no matter Pape Gueye's goal, the rule is applied in its strictest form.
The approved result is therefore 3-0 in favor of Morocco, a victory on a green carpet that ends 49 years of continental drought for the Atlas Lions. This is an unprecedented decision for a final of a competition of this level, and it caused an immediate shockwave in the world of African football.
The reaction of the Senegalese government
The Senegalese Football Federation and the Senegalese government did not mince their words. The decision is publicly described as unjust and illegal, based, according to them, on an erroneous interpretation of the regulations in force. Senegal is demanding an international investigation into possible cases of corruption within CAF and reserves the right to resort to all available international legal avenues.
The option of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) is being considered. If the SFF had initially given up appealing the initial sanctions pronounced after the final, the verdict of the Appeals Jury radically changes the situation. An appeal to the CAS would allow an external review of this historic decision, independent of CAF.
Additional sanctions: Saibari and the stolen towels
Beyond the main earthquake, CAF ruled on several secondary points related to the incidents of the final. Ismaël Saibari, the Moroccan midfielder from PSV Eindhoven, had stolen the Senegalese goalkeeper's towel during the match, a psychological destabilization attempt that was filmed and widely commented on. He received two match suspensions, one of which was suspended, and saw his initial fine of $100,000 canceled.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation, for its part, was ordered to pay $50,000 for the behavior of its ball boys, who repeatedly stole the Senegalese goalkeeper's towels. Deliberate acts that tarnished the Moroccan victory in the eyes of part of international opinion, even if these sanctions remain symbolic given the stakes.
Morocco African champion: a disputed victory
For Moroccan supporters, this title is real, legitimate, and ends a 49-year wait since the last Africa Cup of Nations won by the Atlas Lions. Morocco had dominated the competition at home, driven by a solid group led by Walid Regragui, since replaced by Mohamed Ouahbi.
But for a large part of the football world, the manner leaves a bitter taste. A victory on a green carpet after a final won on the field by the opponent, sanctions related to proven unsportsmanlike behavior on the Moroccan side: the 2025 African champion title will remain marked by lasting controversy in the history of continental football.
What this decision changes for Sadio Mané and the Lions of Teranga
Sadio Mané, the emblematic captain of Senegal, had led this generation to their first continental title in 2022. To see this potential second triumph vanish in this way represents a collective trauma for an entire country. Senegalese football emerges wounded from this CAN 2025, not sportingly, but in terms of perceived justice.
The Lions of Teranga had shown a conquering face throughout the tournament. Their administrative elimination leaves a scar, but also intact resilience. For supporters who want to continue to display their national pride despite everything, customized Senegal jerseys remain a way to proudly wear the Lions' colors, regardless of the decisions of the authorities.
FAQ on CAF's decision against Senegal
Why did Senegal lose its African champion title?
The CAF Appeals Jury applied Article 84 of the CAN regulations, which provides for defeat by forfeit when a team leaves the field. As the Senegalese players left the field in protest, the sporting victory was canceled and Morocco was declared champion with a score of 3-0.
Can Senegal reclaim its title via CAS?
It's possible but uncertain. The Senegalese Federation is considering an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. CAS could examine whether CAF correctly applied its regulations. Historically, CAS rarely overturns decisions of sports bodies that are correctly based on their own texts.
Was Ismaël Saibari sanctioned for stealing the towel?
Yes. Ismaël Saibari received two match suspensions, one of which was suspended. His initial fine of $100,000, however, was canceled. The Moroccan Federation was also ordered to pay $50,000 for the behavior of its ball boys during the final.
What is Article 84 of the CAN regulations?
This is the rule that stipulates that a team declared forfeited in a match loses it with a score of 3-0. It applies notably when a team refuses to play or leaves the field without a valid sporting reason. It is on this basis that CAF withdrew the victory from Senegal after the 2025 final.
CAF's decision is now official. It will be challenged, analyzed, and debated for a long time. But it will not change the pride of Senegalese supporters for a generation that gave everything on the field.
