CAIRO (AP) — Appeals judges on Tuesday shockingly awarded Morocco the Africa Cup of Nations title, overturning Senegal’s victory in January’s chaotic final.
Confederation of African Football said its appeals committee ruled that Senegal had “been declared to have forfeited qualification for the final” after winning 1-0 in extra time, with hosts Morocco winning 3-0 by default.
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In the final in Rabat on January 18, Senegal left the field in protest at 15 minutes into stoppage time, and when Morocco was awarded a penalty, fans tried to storm the pitch.
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved after the restart, allowing Senegal to score the only goal of overtime.
During initial disciplinary hearings, CAF fined and banned players and officials from Senegal and Morocco more than $1 million, but the outcome was unchanged.
The case may be further appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
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