By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Senegalese football fans and players are furious after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripped Senegal of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 title and awarded it to Morocco. The decision came late Tuesday, citing regulations about leaving the field, despite Senegal winning the final in Rabat on January 18.
Senegal Fans Reject CAF Ruling
Senegal supporters flooded social media, calling the CAF decision a “disgrace for Africa.” Many believe the team remains the true victor on the pitch.
Khola Diouf, a fan from Dakar, said: “We played and we won. Everyone knows Senegal deserves the cup.”
Gora Ndiaye, a Dakar resident, added: “The trophy is just an object. Senegal beat Morocco on the field.”
Even Senegalese players expressed frustration. Moussa Niakhate posted on Instagram, holding the trophy and medal, captioning: “Come and get them! They’re crazy!”
Moroccan Fans Accept the Decision
In Rabat, fans reacted calmly. Many prepared for the Eid al-Fitr holiday, expressing satisfaction with the ruling.
Lawyer Mohamed Amine Boujdaini said: “Everyone is happy. The cup returns to its rightful home.”
Retiree Omar Haryate commented: “Justice has been served.”
CAF Cites Rule Violations
CAF justified the ruling using Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations. These articles state:
- Teams that leave the pitch without referee approval forfeit the match.
- The contravening team loses the match 3-0.
CAF explained that Senegal forfeited after players temporarily left the field near the final whistle.
The Controversial Final Match
During the final on January 18, Morocco was awarded a late penalty. Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest.
Captain Sadio Mane convinced the team to return. Morocco missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored in extra time. Senegal initially won 1-0.
CAF later recorded the match as a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Senegal’s Response and Appeal
Senegal’s football authorities announced they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) within 48 hours.
The government called for an independent international investigation into suspected CAF corruption.
Assietou Diallo, an accounting assistant, said: “We laughed and cried. Two months later, they took away our victory. It shocked us.”
The Senegalese press labeled the decision a “Big Continental Farce,” “Joke of the Century,” and “Unprecedented Scandal.”
