Gueye’s goal annulled as Morocco awarded Africa Cup, Villarreal hit by 3-0 ruling | OneFootball

Morocco have been awarded the Africa Cup of Nations 3-0 by administrative decision, two months after Senegal won the final on the pitch in Rabat.

CAF said in a statement that Senegal forfeited the final under article 84 after the Lions of Teranga briefly left the field in protest.

The 18 January showpiece was fraught throughout. An earlier 0-1 for Senegal was ruled out for a foul on Achraf Hakimi, then Sadio Mané led a walk-off over a late Morocco penalty. Senegal returned, Brahim Díaz’s Panenka was saved by Édouard Mendy, and in extra time Pape Gueye struck what proved the winner.

The ruling hits Villarreal. Gueye, a key figure that night, now loses the continental crown. Meanwhile Ilias Akhomach, owned by the club and on loan at Rayo Vallecano, is listed as a champion with the Atlas Lions.

Gueye has not commented, though a past Instagram post marking the triumph now draws both support and mockery from Moroccan fans. In interviews after the final he argued the penalty felt unjust, said the team went to the dressing room, and insisted they did not cheat.

Head coach Marcelino had not spoken to Gueye and questioned the logic of removing a trophy off the pitch, adding that Senegal had won once play resumed and should be champions.

Team-mate Georges Mikautadze expressed disbelief on social media. Senegal are turning to the Court of Arbitration for Sport as a last route to challenge the decision, and their federation reiterated a firm commitment to sporting integrity while pledging further updates.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo