Africa Cup of Nations: Morocco awarded the title by default

Cairo (Egypt), 17 March (LaPresse/AP) – Morocco has been unexpectedly declared the winner of the Africa Cup of Nations by the Appeals Committee, which has overturned Senegal’s victory in the turbulent final played in January. CAF, the Confederation of African Football, stated that its Appeals Committee had awarded a 3-0 walkover victory to the hosts, Morocco. In the final on 18 January in Rabat, Senegal had walked off the pitch in protest during 15 minutes of added time, whilst fans had attempted to storm the pitch when Morocco was awarded a penalty. When play resumed, Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved and Senegal scored in extra time. In an initial disciplinary hearing, CAF imposed fines totalling over $1 million and bans on players and officials from Senegal and Morocco, but left the result unchanged. The case could be subject to a further appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.