The ruling means Senegal, who had believed they won on the pitch, are now officially runners-up, while Nigeria finish third.
The final in Rabat was filled with controversy — including a disallowed Senegal goal and a late penalty awarded to Morocco after VAR intervention.
Tensions boiled over when Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest, forcing a temporary halt to the match.
Although they returned and later took the lead in extra time, that moment proved decisive.
CAF’s Appeals Board ruled the walk-off breached competition rules, resulting in an automatic three-nil forfeiture in favour of Morocco.
The decision hands Morocco their second AFCON title — and their first in nearly 50 years.
Senegal’s football federation has condemned the ruling as unfair and says it will challenge the verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The outcome is now one of the most controversial in African football history, raising serious questions about officiating and tournament governance.
