AFCON final overturned, Sunderland duo Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi learn new outcome | OneFootball

CAF confirmed in a statement that Senegal forfeited the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, with Morocco awarded a 3-0 victory. The ruling has left Sunderland’s Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra directly affected.

The final on 18 January was goalless deep into stoppage time when referee Jean Jacques Ndala gave Morocco a penalty after a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw led his players off in protest, returning after around 17 minutes. Diaz saw his spot-kick saved by Edouard Mendy before full-time was called.

Senegal then scored in extra time through Villarreal midfielder Pape Gueye to win 1-0, seemingly sealing the title. Following an appeal by Morocco’s federation, CAF’s appeals board ruled Senegal’s walk-off breached tournament regulations. The decision, founded on Article 82 and reinforced by Article 84, records the match as a 3-0 win for Morocco.

Morocco’s federation framed its appeal as ensuring the rules were correctly applied rather than questioning performances. Senegal’s federation has condemned the verdict and will challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Some Senegal players appeared to mock the announcement on social media.

Talbi, a Morocco international, will now be officially recognised as part of the champion squad. Diarra, who was in Senegal’s squad, and his teammates face the prospect of their triumph being erased from the record, pending the outcome of the appeal.

Source: Sunderland Echo