Boss Pape Thiaw and his Senegalese squad abandoned the pitch in protest at Morocco being given a penalty by VAR, triggering disturbances in the terraces. Following a 15-minute interruption, they returned to the field and continued, with Brahim Diaz's spot-kick being saved by Edouard Mendy before Pape Gueye netted an extra-time decider. Nevertheless, African football's governing body CAF have now stated that Senegal have been "declared to have forfeited the final", with hosts Morocco awarded a 3-0 victory.

This followed an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), which was "declared admissible in form" and was accepted. That contentious decision won't mark the end of proceedings, however, with The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) announcing they will now refer the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In a statement, they said: "The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has today been notified of the decision made on March 17, 2026, by the Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), in case DC23316. This procedure follows a complaint filed during match number 52 of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Morocco 2025, between Senegal and Morocco.

"In its decision, the CAF Appeals Board declared the appeal of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) admissible and accepted it. In doing so, the Board overturned the decision rendered by the CAF Disciplinary Board, on the grounds that the appellant's right to be heard had not been respected during the initial proceedings.

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"The Appeals Committee also determined that the conduct of the Senegalese team fell under Articles 82 and 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations Regulations. Consequently, CAF declared that the FSF had violated Article 82 and awarded the match by forfeit to Senegal, with a recorded score of 3-0 in favour of the FRMF, pursuant to Article 84.

"The Senegalese Football Federation denounces this unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which discredits African football. To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the Federation will initiate an appeal as soon as possible before the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne.

"The FSF reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of developments in this matter."