Story by Anashe Murombedzi
FOOTBALL analysts have strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s(CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, calling it both tragic and unprofessional.
They have also raised serious concerns about the organisation’s competence and the overall integrity of the tournament.
The ruling, announced two months after the final, has sent shockwaves throughout the football world, prompting widespread questions about the credibility of African football’s governing body.
The controversy stems from the January 18 final, where Senegal beat Morocco one-nil after extra time.
The match was, however, stopped for more than 15 minutes after Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest over a late penalty awarded to Morocco.
CAF’s Appeals Board later ruled that the walk-off constituted a forfeit, invoking Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON regulations, and subsequently awarded Morocco a three-nil victory.
The ruling has raised eyebrows, particularly after CAF president Patrice Motsepe had already handed over the trophy to Senegal, only for the decision to be reversed months later.
Analysts say the development undermines the credibility of the competition and exposes serious administrative flaws within CAF.
“We may want to treat this as a joke, but it is more than that; it is a tragedy for African football. It takes away the beauty of the game, which should always be decided on the pitch, not in boardrooms. You cannot have a decision coming three months after the match and after the trophy has already been handed over. It makes a mockery of everything. If there was ever a time to rethink football leadership in Africa, this is it,” H-Metro Editor Robson Sharuko said.
“I think CAF handled this issue unprofessionally. This decision is going to divide African football. It should have been addressed on the day of the match. It is devastating. I can only imagine how the people of Senegal feel. It must be shocking and confusing,” Former Dynamos Captain Justice Majabvi said.
“If CAF had these rules, they should have been clearly communicated beforehand. The decision should have been made during the match when Senegal walked off. Delaying it for months shows a lack of organisation,” Former Warriors Coach, Sunday Chidzambwa said.
Meanwhile, Senegal has indicated it will appeal, with the matter likely to be taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland.
