The Lions of Teranga have stirred controversy by brandishing the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy at the Stade de France this Saturday, March 28, before a crowd of supporters. This defiant act comes despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially awarding the title to Morocco.
The CAF's decision follows the 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, which ended in controversy. Senegal initially won the match 1-0 after extra time, but the match was marred by Senegalese protests following a penalty awarded to Morocco in stoppage time. Senegalese players temporarily left the field to protest the referee's decision.
Following an official complaint from the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match for leaving the field without authorization, under Articles 82 and 84 of the competition regulations. The CAF Appeals Board therefore awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, awarding them the title of AFCON 2025.
Senegal strongly contests this decision, with the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) denouncing a verdict without legal basis and announcing its intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Pending the outcome of this appeal, the Lions of Teranga have chosen to celebrate their initial victory on the field by brandishing the trophy at the Stade de France.
The gesture has strong symbolic significance. For the FSF, Senegal won the 2025 AFCON on the field, and no administrative decision can erase that victory. Brandishing the trophy is claiming a victory considered legitimate and untouchable.
The CAS decision will have important implications for the future of African football. It could redefine the rules regarding sports disputes and sports sovereignty. The outcome of this case is therefore eagerly awaited by both nations and by the entire African football community. Senegal maintains that it will not return the trophy until all legal issues have been resolved.
