Senegal lifted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on January 18 in Rabat. Two months later, they no longer hold it.

The Confederation of African Football’s appeals board ruled Tuesday that Senegal forfeited the final, converting their 1-0 extra-time victory into a 3-0 default loss for Morocco. The basis: Article 82 of tournament regulations, which states that any team leaving the pitch without authorization before the match ends is considered to have lost.

What triggered the walkout was a sequence chaotic enough for a soap opera. In stoppage time, with the score level, Senegal had an apparent goal disallowed for a foul on Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi — replays showed minimal contact. Minutes later, Morocco was awarded a penalty. Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, left the field for 15 minutes in protest while fans tried to storm the pitch. When order was restored, Brahim Díaz stepped up and attempted a cheeky Panenka chip. Édouard Mendy saved it. Senegal then scored the winner in extra time.

They won the match. They lost the title anyway.

The ruling hands Morocco its first continental crown since 1976 and strips Senegal of what would have been its second title in three editions. Senegal’s federation secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow called it “a shame for Africa” and “a travesty that rests on no legal basis,” adding: “We will not back down. The law is on our side.” Defender Moussa Niakhaté was more direct on Instagram: “Come and get it! They’re crazy!”

Senegal intends to appeal, likely to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne — but CAS proceedings typically take about a year. Both nations will play at the 2026 World Cup long before any verdict arrives. Morocco faces Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti. Senegal draws France, Norway, and a playoff winner.

The trophy, presumably, does not travel well.

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