Senegal have strongly defended their conduct during the dramatic final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with a senior federation official insisting the newly crowned champions bear no responsibility for the controversy that followed their victory over hosts Morocco.
Bacary Cissé, a member of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) and president of its Communication Commission, addressed the fallout from the final by rejecting accusations directed at Senegal’s players and staff, arguing that the tension surrounding the match stemmed from refereeing decisions rather than any deliberate wrongdoing by the Lions of Teranga.
Speaking to TFM, Cissé placed the origins of the dispute firmly within the flow of the game itself. “It all started with a play and a poor refereeing decision, but that’s normal because it’s part of the sequence of events in a match,” he said.
While acknowledging the historic and cultural ties between Morocco and Senegal, he stressed that competitive football inevitably demands total commitment. “Between Morocco and Senegal, there are ties that go beyond football, but at some point, everyone has to defend their country’s colors.”
Cissé went further in analysing specific moments from the final, notably decisions that proved pivotal in the closing stages. “Everyone saw that Senegal scored a valid goal.
At no point did Hakimi pay attention to the ball; he focused on Abdoulaye Seck, because he knew he wouldn’t give anything away in the air,” he said, before turning to the officiating. “The referee’s decisions, especially the offside that led to the corner and the penalty, created natural frustration.”
Despite the pressure of the occasion and the heightened emotions, Cissé insisted Senegal’s players showed restraint throughout. “The Senegalese players have remained humble so far, even in victory.
There was no noise, no provocation. Their attitude reflected humility and concentration, as if they had already lost the match, so focused were they on their objective,” he added.
The FSF official also offered support for head coach Pape Thiaw, whose reaction on the touchline has been scrutinised in the days since the final.
“I understand Pape Thiaw’s attitude,” Cissé said, framing it as a natural response in a decisive moment of a continental final rather than an act of defiance.
With disciplinary proceedings reportedly being considered by African football authorities, Cissé sought to project confidence in Senegal’s leadership and governance. Emphasising preparation and unity, he underlined that the federation remains calm despite the uncertainty ahead.
“Senegal is not at fault in any way… We have competent leaders and we will prepare for anything,” he said.
As celebrations continue following Senegal’s second continental crown, the debate surrounding the final shows little sign of fading.
However, the message from the federation is clear: Senegal believe their triumph was earned on the pitch, and they are ready to defend both their title and their reputation if required.
