New Delhi, March 18 -- Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday by governing body judges who overturned Senegal's victory in a chaotic final in January.

The Confederation of African Football said its appeals board ruled that Senegal is "declared to have forfeited the final" and its 1-0 win in extra time becomes a 3-0 default win for host nation Morocco.

Senegal later said it would appeal the decision, but did not indicate where. One such avenue is the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a Lausanne, Switzerland-based independent body which settles sports-related disputes through arbitration or mediation.

In the Jan. 18 final in Rabat, Senegal players led by coach Pape Thiaw left the field in protest during s...