How Senegalese media reported CAF’s decision to strip AFCON 2025 title from Teranga Lions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) stunned the football world on Tuesday by announcing that Senegal would be stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, which would instead be awarded to Morocco.

The ruling overturned Senegal’s on-field 1-0 victory over the Atlas Lions in the final held on January 18 in Rabat, a match marked by tension and controversy.

During the final, Senegal temporarily withdrew from the field in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Despite this, the team returned to complete the match, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time. The penalty, taken by Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, was missed in a Panenka style, allowing Senegal to secure what appeared to be a historic victory.

CAF’s Appeals Committee later ruled that Senegal’s temporary walk-off constituted a violation of Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations, resulting in a 3-0 forfeit loss and Morocco being officially declared champions.

The decision also brought sweeping sanctions. Senegalese coach Pape Thiaw was suspended for five matches and fined $100,000, while several players received suspensions, and the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) faced fines totalling $615,000 for misconduct. Moroccan players and the federation also received sanctions, though comparatively lighter.

Senegalese media reacted sharply to the ruling. Dakaractu described the decision as “an unprecedented legal earthquake,” noting that the Appeals Committee had overturned the Disciplinary Committee’s initial ruling, holding Senegal accountable for a “serious violation” that justified the title’s reassignment to Morocco. The outlet added that this radical move “completely changes the course of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Meanwhile, Wiwsport echoed the sentiment, calling the ruling “an earthquake” and “a resounding shock.”

The newspaper emphasised the unprecedented nature of the decision, pointing out that two months after Senegal celebrated on the pitch, bureaucratic procedures had stripped them of their victory, awarding Morocco the continental crown instead.

This decision marks one of the most controversial moments in African football history, as Senegalese fans, players, and media struggle to reconcile the on-field result with the administrative ruling that has rewritten the tournament’s legacy.