"CAF's reversal has sent a shock wave around the footballing world, inspiring jokes and memes. I thought it was an April fool's joke, said the Dakar-born ex-French international Patrice Evra. The real champions are Senegal and they always will be."
"The game itself had become mired in controversy when some Senegalese players staged a 15-minute walk-off the closing minutes of regular time in protest at Morocco being awarded a penalty. Morocco filed an appeal saying that the walk-off effectively meant Senegal had forfeited the match, and a CAF disciplinary panel headed by a Nigerian judge ruled in its favour."
"In Africa, most fans and commentators have been vocal in their support of Senegal, arguing that the decision by the referee, Jean-Jacques Ndala, to restart and finish the match after the walk-off made the result binding. For the Senegalese, the mood has shifted from euphoria at being champions to fury and disbelief."
Two months after Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, CAF stripped Senegal of the title and declared Morocco champions. The reversal followed Morocco's appeal claiming Senegal forfeited the match when players walked off for 15 minutes during regular time to protest a penalty decision. A CAF disciplinary panel ruled in Morocco's favor, awarding a 3-0 default victory. The decision shocked the footballing world, generating widespread criticism from fans, commentators, and former players who argued the referee's decision to restart and complete the match made the result binding. Senegalese sentiment shifted from championship euphoria to fury and disbelief.
#africa-cup-of-nations #caf-decision-reversal #senegal-vs-morocco #sports-controversy #african-football
Read at www.theguardian.com
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