Host nation Morocco are reportedly preparing to challenge Senegal’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph, following the chaotic scenes that marred the final in Rabat.

According to beIN SPORTS, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) intends to lodge formal complaints with both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, arguing that Senegal’s brief walkout during the final constituted a withdrawal from play.

Moroccan officials reportedly believe the incident represents a breach of competition regulations and should result in the match being decided administratively, with the AFCON trophy awarded to the hosts.

The AFCON final, staged at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 18, 2026, was played in cold and rainy conditions and descended into controversy late in regulation time.

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a disputed penalty in the 90+8 minute following a VAR review, just moments after a Senegal goal had been disallowed in the 90+2 minute. In protest, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw briefly led his players off the pitch, delaying the match for nearly 20 minutes.

Play eventually resumed, and the final ended in dramatic fashion when Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved a Panenka-style penalty from Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz with the final kick of the match. The miss stunned the stadium and triggered widespread reaction online, including from US-based streamer IShowSpeed, who was watching live.

Speculation on social media suggested Díaz may have deliberately missed the penalty to avoid further controversy and protect the image of African football. However, the player’s visible distress and the immense pressure of ending Morocco’s 50-year AFCON title drought have cast serious doubt on such claims.

In an official statement, the Moroccan FA argued that the disruption had a decisive impact on the Atlas Lions during the closing moments of the match, claiming it affected their rhythm, concentration, and overall performance.

The federation said the incident followed a penalty decision that was later unanimously validated by a panel of refereeing experts.

“The Royal Moroccan Football Federation announces that it will take legal action with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the withdrawal of the Senegal national team from the final match against the Moroccan national team, and the incidents that accompanied it, following the referee’s decision to award a valid penalty unanimously agreed upon by the officials,” the statement said.

“These events had a significant impact on the normal course of the match and on the morale of the players.”

Earlier reports had suggested Morocco’s protest would be symbolic, but beIN SPORTS now reports that the federation’s intentions are explicit: to pursue disciplinary action aimed at overturning the result.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has since criticised the scenes that unfolded during the final.

CAF has confirmed it is reviewing footage from the match and that the matter will be referred to its disciplinary bodies, though it has yet to indicate whether any sanctions—or a review of the final result—could follow.

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has apologised for the walkout. Around the same time, Senegal supporters were seen throwing objects, including chairs, onto the pitch while attempting to invade the field of play.

Video footage also showed ball boys dragging Senegal’s reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf across the pitch in an apparent attempt to seize the towel of active goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.

Despite the controversy, Senegal returned to Dakar to a hero’s welcome. Thousands of supporters lined the streets for a victory parade before the players were received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and members of his cabinet.

President Faye had earlier welcomed the team at the airport upon their arrival in the early hours of Monday. On behalf of the state, he rewarded each player with $135,000 in cash and 1,500 square metres of land in recognition of their tournament success.