By Kwame Bediako
Senegal’s football authorities are mulling a dramatic withdrawal from future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments after CAF’s appeals jury stripped the Teranga Lions of their 2025 title won in Morocco.
The shocking Tuesday, March 17 ruling awarded Morocco a 3-0 forfeit victory, annulling Senegal’s triumph and igniting fury across West Africa.
CAF deemed Senegal in breach of regulations under Article 82, invoking Article 84 for match forfeiture. The controversy traces back to the final’s chaotic finale, where Senegal players stormed off in protest over a late penalty to Morocco, absent for over 17 minutes until Sadio Mané intervened.
The Lions returned, saw Brahim Díaz miss the spot-kick, and clinched a narrow win via Pape Gueye’s strike. Yet CAF’s verdict has labeled the walkout a violation, handing Morocco the crown.
Outraged Senegalese FA officials decry the decision as “political, not sporting,” with reports indicating plans to snub future AFCONs in protest. Planned nationwide celebrations now hang in limbo amid the backlash.
The ruling threatens to fracture African football unity, raising questions about CAF’s authority and protest protocols as rivals like Ghana watch closely.
