Senegalese players strongly disagreed with the decision and, in protest, briefly walked off the pitch.
The situation created confusion and brought the match to a halt. However, Senegal captain Sadio Mane managed to calm his teammates and convinced them to return to the field so that the game could continue.
When play resumed, Morocco failed to convert the penalty, missing a crucial opportunity to take the lead.
The match then moved into extra time, where Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game, securing what appeared to be a 1-0 victory for Senegal.
Despite the result on the pitch, CAF later made the unexpected decision to overturn the outcome and award the title to Morocco.
The decision has been widely criticised in Senegal, with government officials describing it as unfair and lacking justification.
Government spokesperson Marie Rose Khady Fatou Faye said the ruling undermines the credibility of CAF.
She argued that the match had been played to completion under the rules and that Senegal had fairly earned its victory.
“By questioning a result achieved after a properly played match, CAF is weakening its own credibility,” she said in an official statement.
The Senegalese government has strongly rejected the decision, calling it an attempt to take away a legitimate victory.
Officials have now demanded an independent international investigation into possible corruption within CAF’s leadership and decision-making processes.
The call for a probe reflects growing concern about transparency and fairness in African football administration.
Senegal’s leaders believe that only an external and impartial investigation can uncover the truth and restore confidence in the system.
The dispute has also drawn attention from football fans across the continent, many of whom are questioning how such a major decision could be made after a match had already been completed.