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Senegal FA, Sadio Mané React as CAF Hands AFCON 2025 Title to Morocco
The fallout from CAF’s controversial decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco has deepened, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and captain Sadio Mané both breaking their silence in strongly worded statements.
In a ruling that has stunned the football world, CAF officially overturned Senegal’s victory two months after the final, declaring Morocco champions instead. The decision, announced on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, followed a review of events that occurred during the January 18 final in Rabat.
The match, which was locked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, took a dramatic turn when Senegal’s players staged a protest by walking off the pitch for about 20 minutes after a controversial penalty was awarded to Morocco. Although the team later returned—reportedly convinced by their captain, Sadio Mané—and went on to win 1-0 after extra time, CAF ruled that the temporary walk-off breached competition rules.
Citing Articles 82 and 84, CAF’s Appeals Committee concluded that Senegal’s action amounted to a forfeiture, leading to a 3-0 victory being awarded to Morocco and the title officially reassigned.
Reacting swiftly, the Senegalese Football Federation rejected the decision outright, describing it as both unfair and damaging to the image of African football. The body also confirmed plans to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unjust, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision, which brings African football into disrepute. We acted in the interest of fair play on the night, yet we are being punished for a situation handled with the utmost leadership by our captain.”
The federation maintained that since the match was completed and a winner emerged on the pitch, the original result should not have been overturned.
Sadio Mané, who was instrumental in ensuring the match resumed and was later named Player of the Tournament, also expressed deep disappointment over the development.
“We won that trophy with our sweat and our hearts on the pitch in Rabat,” he said. “To take it away in a boardroom months later is not football. I went into that dressing room to bring my brothers back because we wanted to prove we were the best through play, not politics. This decision hurts every Senegalese person, but we know who the real champions are.”
With the ruling, Morocco has been officially crowned AFCON 2025 champions via a 3-0 forfeit, while Senegal’s players—including Mané—have been stripped of their winners’ medals. The case is now expected to head to CAS, setting up a potentially lengthy legal battle.
The controversy has sparked widespread debate about officiating, discipline, and the increasing influence of VAR in African football. While Morocco insists the decision simply reflects enforcement of the rules, many in Senegal see it as a harsh and targeted sanction.
As attention shifts toward the 2026 World Cup, the Lions of Teranga now face not only preparations on the pitch but also a fight off it—one aimed at reclaiming a title they believe was rightfully theirs.