Image Credits: Imago Images
The Africa Cup of Nations is African football’s biggest stage.
It is where legacies are built and nations unite behind their teams.
That is why what happened after the 2025 final still feels unreal.
Back in January, Senegal national football team faced Morocco national football team in a tense final in Rabat.
Senegal won on the pitch and lifted the trophy. Simple, right? Not quite.
Almost two months later, the result was overturned.
CAF ruled that Senegal had breached regulations during the match.
Morocco were then awarded a 3–0 victory.
On paper, the champions changed.
But in reality, the story never settled.
Fast forward to March in Paris.
Senegal walked out before a friendly against Peru at the Stade de France carrying the same AFCON trophy.
It was a statement. It was defiance.
And it showed that this saga is far from over.
For Liverpool fans, seeing players like Sadio Mane still standing firm hits differently.
You can tell this is bigger than just a medal.
The controversy goes back to the final moments in Rabat.
Senegal had a goal ruled out.
Morocco were then awarded a late penalty.
Senegal reacted by briefly leaving the pitch in protest. That decision changed everything.
CAF later ruled that action as a breach.
The result was wiped.
Morocco were declared champions.
But Senegal have not accepted it.
Head coach Pape Thiaw made their stance clear, “We know we’re African champions.”
He doubled down again, saying, “We’re going to keep working to win more trophies. It’s clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch.”
“We’ve done that; we’re African champions.”
He also tried to steady his squad amid the noise, “The most important thing is not to get distracted.”
On the other side, Morocco have moved on.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou kept it short, “The answer from us [about whether the decision was fair] would be what our federation said and that’s all … we’re looking forwards.”
Even Morocco boss Mohamed Ouahbi avoided the drama, saying, “I don’t talk in terms of weaknesses.”
“They’re not weaknesses. We are a top-level team – the Ecuadorian coach reminded us of that.”
He added, “If you are a top-level team, ranked eighth in the world and World Cup semi-finalists, you don’t have weaknesses.”
“You only have strengths, and then any qualities we’re missing, areas where we’re not performing, we have to make up for collectively.”
For now, the battle moves to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
But one thing is clear.
Senegal still believe the trophy is theirs. And they are not ready to let it go.
🚨🏆 Senegal show their AFCON trophy ahead of today’s game! 🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/OXTl0we93r
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 28, 2026
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