Patrice Motsepe’s understated congratulations to Senegal following their Africa Cup of Nations triumph have added a fresh layer of intrigue to an already heated debate surrounding the 2025 final.
Rather than a formal statement from the Confederation of African Football, the CAF president chose a low-key, personal approach that has left fans and observers questioning the timing and intent behind the gesture.
A muted congratulations that raised eyebrows
In the aftermath of Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final, attention quickly shifted away from the pitch to the silence from football’s governing bodies.
For days, neither CAF nor FIFA published an official message congratulating the Teranga Lions, an omission that sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms.
Motsepe eventually broke the silence, but not in the expected manner. The CAF president posted a congratulatory message on his personal Instagram account, praising Senegal’s achievement while also acknowledging Morocco’s efforts.
“Congratulations to Senegal for winning the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025. Morocco fought very hard.”
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The message appeared a day after the final, yet its discreet nature contrasted sharply with the traditional protocol of official communiqués issued by CAF following major tournaments.
Departure from established CAF practice
Historically, CAF has been swift and explicit in celebrating continental champions through official statements, press releases, and coordinated digital posts.
Motsepe’s decision to act in a personal capacity, rather than through the institution he leads, has therefore been interpreted by many as unusual.
This deviation has prompted speculation about whether the governing body deliberately avoided formal recognition while internal processes were still ongoing. The absence of a clear, institutional voice has only intensified scrutiny of CAF’s handling of the situation.
Link to disciplinary investigations
Much of the controversy is tied to the chaotic scenes that overshadowed the AFCON 2025 final. Incidents during the match, including a temporary withdrawal and broader disorder, are currently under review by CAF’s disciplinary committee.
As a result, some analysts believe the muted response reflects caution while investigations remain active.
Others have suggested that Motsepe’s approach was designed to strike a careful balance, acknowledging Senegal’s on-field success without pre-empting any potential disciplinary outcomes. More extreme voices have even speculated about possible sanctions, though no official indication has been given.
Awaiting clarity from CAF
For now, the focus remains on the impending disciplinary ruling. Supporters in Senegal and Morocco, along with neutral observers, are waiting for CAF to provide clarity that could either validate Motsepe’s cautious stance or further inflame the debate surrounding one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.
