“They’re mad!” – Senegal’s Moussa Niakhate lashes out at CAF over shocking AFCON 2025 title decision

Senegal international Moussa Niakhate has strongly criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decision to strip of the Teranga Lions off the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.

The continental football governing body (CAF) dropped a bombshell on Tuesday night, annulling Senegal’s AFCON 2025 success and awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory.

In a landmark ruling issued under Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations, CAF upheld an appeal lodged by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), setting aside the earlier decision of the Disciplinary Board.

The decision stems from dramatic scenes during the final, when Senegal players walked off the pitch for over 17 minutes in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco.

Following Sadio Mane’s intervention, the Teranga Lions returned to the pitch for the continuation of the match and subsequently prevailed with a narrow win through Pape Gueye after Brahim Diaz had missed the penalty that had triggered the protest.

CAF, however, ruled that the conduct of the Senegal team constituted a breach of the competition’s regulations. As a result, the Federation Senegalaise de Football (FSF) was found to have infringed Article 82, leading to the forfeiture of the match under Article 84

Ahead of Lyons Europa League showdown, Niakhate has furiously slammed the highest African football authority.

“Nothing has changed from what I experienced two months ago,” Niakhate stated, referencing Senegal’s celebrated victory in Rabat on 18 January.  “Come and get them! They’re mad!”, signaling his disapproval of CAF’s ruling.

Niakhate’s response reflects the sentiments of many in Senegalese football. Officials, players, and fans alike have expressed outrage at the decision, which saw Morocco officially awarded the 2025 AFCON crown despite Senegal winning the final on the pitch. The ruling has been widely debated across the continent, raising questions about CAF’s disciplinary processes and governance.

For Niakhate, the focus remains on the memories and the sense of achievement from that historic night in Rabat. “What we felt on that pitch, the joy, the unity of our team and our people—that no one can take that away,” he added. His remarks underline a broader message: the pride of the Lions of Teranga transcends any administrative reversal.

As Senegalese football continues to grapple with the fallout from CAF’s decision, Niakhate’s words serve as a rallying cry for both players and supporters. While the official record may have changed, the spirit and legacy of Senegal’s 2025 triumph remain firmly etched in the minds of the team and the nation.

The coming weeks are expected to see further discussions, potential appeals, and continued public debate—but for Niakhate, the message is clear: what the Lions of Teranga achieved in Rabat is untouchable in their hearts and history.