It was a night of jubilation in Morocco but anger in Senegal after the decision to strip the Senegalese national side of their continental football title and hand it to their North African rivals. Two months after the final whistle blew at a contentious and acrimonious final in Rabat, news came through late on Tuesday evening that tournament hosts Morocco were in fact the winners of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) ruled that Senegal had broken the rules by leaving the pitch in protest at a refereeing decision. The match later resumed and Senegal won 1-0, but Caf said that the walkout meant they had forfeited the game.

Moroccans took to the streets to celebrate, with local media showing videos of happy fans driving through Tangier waving the national flag, banging tambourines, and honking their horns. Other pictures show triumphant supporters letting off flares.

Moroccan journalist Jalal Bounour reported that it was a sleepless night as fans welcomed the news with great excitement and joy. Many Moroccans expressed feelings of justice, with one individual stating, I believe this was a sporting injustice, Morocco was certainly wronged.

In contrast, the news was received like a bombshell in Dakar. Senegalese citizens, including young man Daouda Seck, expressed their disbelief, stating, I'm stunned. Football no longer exists. This is not football. No-one here understands or accepts this decision. The Senegalese government has announced intentions to appeal the decision, arguing it undermines Caf's credibility and calling for an international investigation into potential corruption within the governing bodies.

The divide between the two nations illustrates the emotional and passionate connection to sport, showing how a single decision can culminate in such contrasting reactions. While Morocco celebrates its claimed glory, Senegal remains in shock, rallying for justice.