By Ayomide Otitoju
Senegalese football fans have reacted with outrage after the Confederation of African Football stripped their country of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, awarding it to Morocco. Supporters labelled the move a “disgrace for Africa” and called for an independent investigation.
Gora Ndiaye, a Dakar resident and driver, told AFP he felt “hit over the head” upon hearing the news on the radio. The decision follows CAF’s ruling that Senegal forfeited the final after several players briefly left the pitch in protest during the match in Rabat on January 18.
During the final, Morocco was awarded a late penalty, prompting Senegalese players to walk off before returning to the field under the guidance of captain Sadio Mané. Morocco subsequently missed the penalty, and Senegal scored in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory.
CAF’s Appeals Committee cited Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which state that a team leaving the pitch without referee permission forfeits the match and automatically loses 3-0. After reviewing Morocco’s appeal, CAF officially recorded the match as a 3-0 win for Morocco.
“I was shocked that two months later they took away our victory,” said Assietou Diallo, a 25-year-old accounting assistant in Dakar. Senegalese media reacted with headlines including “Big Continental Farce” and “Unprecedented Scandal.”
Senegal’s football authorities confirmed they will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 48 hours, condemning the decision as “unjust, unprecedented and unacceptable.” Defender Moussa Niakhate posted an Instagram photo of himself holding the trophy, writing: “Come and get them! They’re crazy!”
Fans insisted that, regardless of CAF’s ruling, Senegal remains the true victor. “We played and we won,” said supporter Khola Diouf, citing Morocco’s missed penalty as proof. Ndiaye added, “The trophy is an object… even if we give it to the Moroccans, Senegal beat them on the field.”
In Rabat, reaction was calmer, with local fans welcoming the ruling. Mohamed Amine Boujdaini, a lawyer, said, “Everyone is happy with this outcome. The cup returns to its rightful home.”
The controversy has sparked widespread debate on CAF’s regulations and the fairness of retroactive penalties in African football.
