Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title

Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title

Senegalese talisman Sadio Mané has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for overturning Senegal’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final and awarding the title to Morocco. The ruling has sparked outrage across the continent and intensified calls for transparency and accountability in African football governance.

CAF’s Appeal Board on March 17, 2026, ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final match against Morocco after temporarily walking off the field in protest over a late penalty. As a result, the final score was recorded as 3–0 in favour of Morocco, overturning Senegal’s 1–0 extra-time win in the original match held in Rabat. Senegal had scored the winning goal after returning to the pitch following a 14-minute protest, with Pape Gueye netting the decisive strike. (pulsesports.ng)

Mané, captain and leader of the Senegalese team, described the decision as “killing the passion of millions of fans” and decried what he called widespread corruption affecting African football. In a statement on his verified X account, he wrote: “This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.” He added that the verdict was deeply disappointing not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole, and called for fairness, transparency, and respect for the fans and players alike. (goal.com)

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The Senegalese Football Federation and the government have publicly rejected CAF’s ruling, describing it as illegal and unjust, and have committed to appealing the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Officials are also demanding an independent investigation into alleged corruption within CAF’s decision-making process. (vanguardngr.com)

The 2025 AFCON final itself was marked by controversy: Senegal initially left the pitch following a penalty awarded to Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, but returned after persuasion from Mané. Díaz’s penalty attempt failed, and Senegal scored in extra time to win the match. CAF’s subsequent reversal of the result has been criticised by players, officials, and fans as undermining the integrity of African football. (apnews.com)

The decision has sparked international debate, with commentators warning that late reversals of match outcomes set a dangerous precedent and may erode trust in CAF and African football competitions. Mané’s condemnation reflects the frustration of players and fans across Africa who feel that off-field decisions should not overshadow on-pitch performances.

Sadio Mané Slams CAF After Senegal Stripped of 2025 AFCON Title