Former federal lawmaker Shehu Sani has criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for awarding Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after ruling that Senegal forfeited the final.
CAF announced on Tuesday that Morocco would be declared winners following an appeal, citing Senegal’s walk-off during the final match as grounds for a 3–0 walkover victory. The decision upholds Morocco’s appeal after a controversial penalty incident during the game.
During the match, Senegalese players protested a penalty awarded to Morocco and temporarily left the field, though team captain Sadio Mane later convinced them to return and complete the game. Senegal ultimately won the final 1–0 on the pitch.
Reacting on X, Sani described CAF’s ruling as “unconscionable and a dangerous precedent in African football.” He added, “Senegal won the AFCON on the pitch but was snatched by CAF in the boardroom. The fact that the team walked out in protest and returned to play till the final whistle doesn’t warrant this daylight robbery. They just want to reward Morocco for hosting and losing.”
The decision has sparked outrage among fans and observers, raising concerns over governance and fairness in African football.