The Court of Arbitration for Sport CAS on Thursday commenced hearings into Senegal’s appeal against the decision to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations AFCON title and award it to Morocco. The hearing, taking place in Lausanne, Switzerland, comes nearly 10 months after Senegal defeated hosts Morocco in a dramatic final, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time. The match was marred by controversy towards the end of regulation time when several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest after the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty. Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz missed the spot kick after Senegal’s players returned to the field nearly 20 minutes later. However, in March, the Confederation of African Football CAF overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the continental title. The opening day of Thursday’s CAS hearing lasted more than five hours behind closed doors. CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb acknowledged the prolonged wait for a final resolution, noting that supporters from Senegal, Morocco and across Africa had been eager for an outcome.Reeb added that the proceedings could continue for several days or even weeks. The CAS proceedings are expected to determine whether CAF’s decision to overturn the AFCON final result and award the title to Morocco should stand.