“Is this reasonable?” – Aurélien Tchouaméni questions rationale behind CAF Decision to strip Senegal of AFCON 2025 trophy

Real Madrid midfielder Aurélien Tchouaméni has expressed surprise and disbelief following the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.

The announcement, made on Tuesday evening by Confederation of African Football, has sparked widespread debate across the football world after overturning the original result of the final.

Senegal had initially secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final played in Rabat on January 18, in a match filled with drama. The game saw the Lions of Teranga briefly leave the pitch in protest over a late penalty decision.

During that moment, Brahim Díaz failed to convert from the spot with an unusual Panenka attempt, before Pape Gueye went on to score the winning goal in extra time.

CAF had initially upheld Senegal’s victory and imposed sanctions on both teams. However, in a dramatic reversal, the governing body later reopened the case and ruled in favour of Morocco, citing Article 84 of the tournament regulations.

In its official statement, CAF explained that “The Appeals Board of the Confederation of African Football, pursuant to Article 84 of the Africa Cup of Nations regulations, has decided to consider the Senegalese national team as the loser in the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (the match in dispute), with the result being upheld as 3-0 in favor of Morocco.”

Speaking after Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League clash against Manchester City, Tchouaméni reacted with visible astonishment when asked about the development.

“Is this reasonable? Wait, are you serious? Well, this will make Brahim (Diaz) happy, so I am happy.”

Meanwhile, Real Madrid secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Champions League after a dominant 5-1 aggregate victory over Manchester City.