In the aftermath of an Africa Cup of Nations final that moved from the pitch to the disciplinary room, Morocco remain in possession of the trophy after Senegal’s late walk-off turned a 1-0 sporting result into a 3-0 administrative decision.
Senegal had beaten the hosts in the final in mid-January, but their departure from the field during the closing minutes brought the Confederation of African Football’s forfeiture rules into play. The Teranga Lions have challenged the ruling, leaving the final outcome subject to an appeal verdict.
A final reshaped after the whistle
- Senegal won the final against Morocco by a 1-0 scoreline on the field in mid-January.
- During the final minutes, Senegal’s players left the pitch.
- The walk-off led CAF to apply its regulations on abandonment of an official match.
- Morocco were subsequently awarded a 3-0 victory and the continental title.
- Senegal lodged an appeal, which has yet to receive a final decision.
Broos: rules must be enforced
Hugo Broos, the Belgian coach who led Cameroon to the African title in 2017, has offered an uncompromising view of the case. The 74-year-old former Anderlecht defender said the regulations leave no room for interpretation once a side abandons a match.
“If a team leaves the field, it is over: that team is eliminated,” Broos said.
He acknowledged the severity of the consequence for Senegal, but argued that the forfeiture was unavoidable. “It is very harsh for Senegal to lose in that way, yet the rule is clear. If you walk off, a forfeit is declared. The match ends there and you lose by default. Morocco keep the cup. Rules are there to be respected.”
