03/17/26 05:22:00
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03/17 17:20 CDT Ruling overturns Senegal's title at Africa Cup of Nations and
declares Morocco the champion
Ruling overturns Senegal's title at Africa Cup of Nations and declares Morocco
the champion
CAIRO (AP) --- Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title
on Tuesday by appeals judges who overturned Senegal's victory in a chaotic
final in January.
The Confederation of African Football said its appeals board ruled that Senegal
is "declared to have forfeited the final" and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes
a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco.
In the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, Senegal players led by coach Pape Thiaw left the
field in protest during stoppage time for 15 minutes --- and fans tried to
storm the field --- when Morocco was awarded a penalty that was set to decide
the match.
When play resumed, Morocco forward Brahim Diaz's spot kick --- a controversial
slow chip shot known as a "Panenka" --- was saved by goalkeeper douard Mendy
and Senegal scored the only goal in extra time.
Tension in the stadium was already raised by Senegal being denied a goal
minutes before the penalty was given to Morocco.
In the second minute of stoppage time, Senegal's apparent go-ahead goal was
ruled out for a foul by Abdoulaye Seck, but TV replays showed little contact on
Morocco defender Achraf Hakimi.
At an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines of than $1 million in
fines and bans for Senegal and Morocco players and officials but left the
result untouched.
The case could go to a further appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
CAF cited article 82 of tournament regulations for its marquee event to justify
the verdict enforced on appeal, though not at the first hearing.
It states "if, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition
or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before
the regular end of the match without the authorization of the referee, it shall
be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current
competition."
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