‘We will keep our trophy’ – Senegal lawyer confident ahead of AFCON ruling

Senegalese lawyer Patrick Kabou has expressed strong confidence in Senegal’s bid to retain the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, claiming the country has a “200%” chance of winning its legal battle with Morocco.

Speaking to Senegalese broadcaster RTS after Thursday’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Kabou praised Senegal’s legal team and the arguments presented in defence of the country’s position.

The dispute centres on the outcome of the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, with both nations awaiting a ruling that could determine the tournament’s official outcome.

Kabou’s comments reflect his personal assessment of Senegal’s case, rather than an indication of how the court will decide.

Kabou praises Senegal’s legal team

Kabou, who previously represented 18 Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco following the final, said he was impressed by the lawyers handling Senegal’s appeal.

He explained that he could not discuss the details of the proceedings in his capacity as a lawyer, but offered his views as an academic and researcher.

“When we see the lineup of lawyers who handled this case, we feel confident. They are lawyers we often meet in the corridors of CAS, and they are very skilled in legal procedures,” Kabou said.

He also commended the legal memorandum prepared by a team led by Senegalese lawyer Seydou Diagne, describing the submission as thorough, coherent and firm in its demands.

Assessing the team’s work, Kabou made an emphatic prediction about Senegal’s prospects.

“When we look at the memorandum prepared by the team led by lawyer Diagne, the chances of success, if I had to put a percentage on it, are 200%,” Kabou said.

He added that, based on his reading of the arguments, he struggled to envisage an outcome other than a decision in Senegal’s favour.

However, his confidence does not determine the outcome. CAS arbitrators must independently assess the evidence and legal arguments submitted by both Senegal and Morocco before delivering their verdict.

‘We will keep our trophy’

Beyond his assessment of the legal proceedings, Kabou stressed the importance of resolving the dispute and allowing Senegal to move forward.

He also reaffirmed his belief that the country would retain the continental title it celebrated after the final.

“We will keep our trophy because it already belongs to us. We will have to find another way to celebrate it again, if possible, because we have already celebrated it before,” he said.

The remarks underline the confidence among sections of Senegal’s legal and football community as the case moves towards a decision.

Senegal’s position is being challenged by Morocco, which is seeking a resolution in its favour over the disputed final.

CAS ruling to determine AFCON outcome

The case has attracted considerable attention across Africa, particularly in Morocco and Senegal, as the two countries await clarity over the title and the disciplinary decisions surrounding the final.

CAS is responsible for evaluating the arguments presented by both federations. Its ruling will determine the outcome of the appeal and provide greater clarity on the status of the AFCON 2025 title.

Until the arbitrators issue their decision, neither Kabou’s confidence nor the arguments advanced by either side should be treated as a final determination of the case.