By Kazeem Ajibola Shoyebo
A wave of reactions has erupted across African football following CAF’s decision to award the AFCON 2025 title to Morocco, with several Senegal internationals and top players publicly voicing frustration, disbelief, and defiance.
Leading the response, Sadio Mané delivered a scathing statement, criticizing the decision and raising concerns about governance in African football.
“What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in,” Mané said.
“There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.
“I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect.”
Amid the backlash, Idrissa Gueye offered a more reflective but powerful message, emphasizing values beyond results:
“Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is temporary. What truly matters is that every supporter can return home safely and be reunited with their family. The Senegalese people have shown who they are: dignified in victory, dignified in adversity. That is Teranga.
We know what we experienced that night in Rabat. And that, no one will ever be able to take away from us, God willing.”
From outside Senegal, Asisat Oshoala, who has won the African Women Footballer of Year record six times, added her voice to the growing criticism, posting bluntly:
“Morocco are African champions in CAF book, not in OUR book!!!”
Within the Senegal camp, reactions have ranged from outrage to defiance and even sarcasm on social media.
Midfielder Habib Diarra shared a series of photos on Instagram showing himself with the trophy, accompanied by laughing emojis—appearing to brush off the decision.
Pape Demba Diop also reacted, writing on his Instagram story: “I think we’re in a madhouse.”
Defender Moussa Niakhaté posted a photo with the trophy captioned: “This is not AI. This is real,” while Pathé Ciss shared a similar image accompanied by multiple laughing emojis—subtly signaling disbelief at the outcome.
The ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeal Board, declaring Senegal to have forfeited the final and awarding a 3–0 victory to Morocco, has sparked intense debate across the continent and beyond.
Players, fans, and analysts have flooded social media platforms with reactions, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the decision.
The backlash comes as the Senegal Football Federation prepares to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where the final verdict on the AFCON 2025 controversy is expected to be decided.
With emotions running high and scrutiny intensifying, the dispute has evolved into one of the most significant crises in recent African football history, placing governance, accountability, and sporting justice firmly under the spotlight.
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