Morocco's fate sealed amid Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations controversy

Morocco's midfielder #24 Neil El Aynaoui pointed to his teeth after a collision with defender #02 Achraf Hakimi during the celebration of his equalizer in the international friendly match against Ecuador at Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on March 27, 2026.

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Senegal's retention of the Africa Cup of Nations trophy is being disputed, but new champions Morocco consider the matter resolved, having been awarded a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the final due to several Senegal players leaving the pitch in protest.

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The Confederation of African Football's decision was made last week, and Morocco has since drawn 1-1 against Ecuador in a friendly match in Madrid, their first game since the final and the controversy surrounding it.

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This match marked the debut of new coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who is preparing the team for the 2026 World Cup, just three months away, with high expectations following Morocco's historic run to the final four in Qatar in 2022.

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Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stated that the team is focused on the future, rather than debating the fairness of the decision, and that their federation's statement on the matter is the only response needed.

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Thousands of Morocco fans, many waving their country's flag and blowing vuvuzelas, believe that justice was served, with supporter Yassine El Aouak, 35, saying that regulations must be followed and that Morocco deserves the trophy.

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Before being awarded the victory, Morocco had only won the Africa Cup of Nations once, in 1976, and another supporter, Taha El Hadiguy, 22, noted that the rules are clear and that a win is a win, regardless of when it is achieved.

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El Hadiguy also said that the team now has one more star on their shirt, symbolizing their additional championship title, and that this victory, although different from winning on the night of the final, is still a significant achievement.

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Moroccan media is more concerned with the upcoming World Cup and Ouahbi's tactical approach than with debating Senegal's grievances, and Ecuador's coach Sebastian Beccacece expressed satisfaction with the draw against the "African champions".

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Ouahbi's team is now technically unbeaten in 25 matches, despite losing 1-0 to Senegal in the Afcon final, and Ouahbi highlighted the strength of his team, saying that they lack no weaknesses, only areas where they need to improve collectively.

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Ouahbi emphasized that as a top-level team, ranked eighth in the world and World Cup semi-finalists, they only have strengths, and that any areas where they are not performing can be made up for collectively.

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Morocco will face record five-time World Cup winners Brazil in their first game at the tournament on June 13, a highly anticipated match-up, and before then, the Moroccan Federation's lawyers may need to defend their status as African champions against Senegal's case.

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However, Ouahbi and his players are only looking forward to the summer, when they have the chance to win another trophy, this time on the pitch, and are not concerned with the ongoing dispute over their championship title.