The football world is set for another major controversy as the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) prepares to lodge a formal petition with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This action comes in the wake of their dramatic and painful 1-0 loss to Senegal in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Chaotic Final Leads to Formal Complaint
Senegal were crowned champions of Africa for the second time after a tense and chaotic final in Rabat on Sunday, January 18, 2026. The only goal of the match came deep into extra time, scored by midfielder Pape Gueye at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The match, however, will be remembered for a major incident that occurred minutes before the decisive goal. With the score locked at 0-0, referee Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a late penalty, only moments after disallowing a Senegal goal for offside.
In a stunning protest, several Senegalese players chose to walk off the pitch following the penalty decision. Experienced forward Sadio Mane was seen urging his teammates to return to the field. After order was restored, Moroccan playmaker Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the spot-kick.
In a moment of immense heartbreak for the host nation, Diaz attempted a chipped penalty down the middle, which was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. This missed opportunity proved catastrophic for Morocco's hopes of ending a 50-year wait for their second AFCON title.
Morocco's Grievance and CAF's Next Steps
The core of Morocco's impending complaint to CAF centres on the walk-off by the Senegalese players. The FRMF argues that this act constituted a serious breach of the principles of sportsmanship and fair play.
Moroccan officials believe the temporary abandonment of the pitch disrupted the flow and fairness of the match, especially during such a critical juncture in a continental final. They are expected to request that CAF review the conduct and enforce its regulations to prevent similar incidents in the future, which they feel damages the image of African football.
Despite a late surge of pressure from Morocco, which included a Nayef Aguerd header striking the crossbar, Senegal held on to secure a historic victory. This win marked the first time the Teranga Lions have defeated a host nation in an AFCON final, having lost in all five of their previous attempts.
Historic Implications and Lingering Fallout
Senegal's triumph extended their remarkable unbeaten run in the tournament to 18 matches, a streak now second only to Egypt's all-time record. For Morocco, the defeat in front of their rain-soaked home fans in Rabat was a bitter pill to swallow, with Diaz's missed penalty becoming the symbol of a dream deferred once again.
The fallout from the final continues, as CAF is also dealing with a separate sanction against Moroccan supporters. This was for booing the Egyptian national anthem during the third-place playoff between Egypt and Nigeria.
CAF is now expected to receive Morocco's formal petition in the coming days and will have to decide on any potential measures or sanctions related to the final's controversial events. The decision will be closely watched across the footballing world.
