Senegal players have taken to social media to display their Africa Cup of Nations medals and trophy after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) Appeal Board stripped them of the title, awarding a 3-0 win to Morocco. The board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final on 18 January after walking off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
Defensive midfielder Pathe Ciss posted laughing face emojis alongside his winner's medal, while centre-back Moussa Niakhate shared a photo with the caption: "This is not AI, this is real." Sunderland's Habib Diarra also posted a picture holding the trophy. The official Senegal team X account responded with a video of their homecoming celebrations and an 'ok' emoji.
The final descended into chaos when Morocco were awarded a penalty deep into stoppage time after a VAR review. Senegal players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, stormed off the pitch, causing a 14-minute delay. Sadio Mane eventually retrieved his teammates, and Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, with Senegal's Pape Sarr scoring an extra-time winner.
Caf cited Articles 82 and 84 of the Afcon regulations, stating that a team that leaves the ground without authorisation forfeits the match. Senegal's football federation has confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas). Secretary General Abdoulaye Seydou Sow called the decision "a travesty" and vowed to fight it.
