Senegal won AFCON 2025 title on the pitch – Patrick Vieira ahead of CAS hearing

Senegal head coach Patrick Vieira insists the Lions of Teranga should be regarded as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final ahead of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) hearing over the controversial outcome.

CAS is scheduled to open the hearing on October 8 regarding the Senegal Football Federation’s appeal against the decision that ultimately awarded the AFCON title to Morocco.

Senegal had initially celebrated a 1–0 victory over Morocco in the final on January 18, 2026. However, the outcome was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which awarded the title to Morocco a month after the match.

The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently challenged the decision at CAS, leaving the sporting dispute to be considered by the international sports arbitration body.

Speaking ahead of Senegal’s friendly against Comoros, Vieira admitted that he was surprised by the amount of time it has taken for the case to reach this stage.

“I’m quite surprised by how long this decision has taken. Whatever the decision, I consider that Senegal won on the pitch,” Vieira said.

The former France international also suggested that whatever CAS ultimately decides, opinions surrounding the final may remain divided, with supporters and observers interpreting the ruling according to their own perspectives.

“As for whether the decision will change anything for people on the outside? Everyone will interpret this decision as they see fit,” he added.

Vieira, however, remains confident that Senegal will emerge positively from the process, regardless of the final outcome of the legal proceedings.

“I believe that, whatever the decision, Senegal will come out on top,” the coach concluded.

The upcoming CAS hearing is therefore expected to attract significant attention in Senegal and Morocco as the two nations await a decision on one of the most contentious African football disputes in recent years.