Senegal’s squad have responded with defiance on social media following the decision by the Confederation of African Football to overturn the 2025 AFCON final result, while Morocco’s federation has moved to support the ruling.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has yet to issue an official statement, but shortly after the announcement, it posted a video of the team’s open-top bus celebrations following their victory, signalling a firm stance despite the reversal. Several players from the Senegal national football team also took to social media to challenge the decision.
Ismaila Sarr shared a series of laughing emojis on Instagram, while El Hadji Malick Diouf wrote: “Champions, speak up!”
Moussa Niakhaté added: “Come and get them (the medals). They are crazy.” Goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf reposted images from the trophy celebrations with the caption: “In the eyes of the whole world.”
Midfielder Pathé Ciss was more direct, posting: “You can add three more goals in favour of the crybabies. Champions of Africa!”
CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the final after their temporary walk-off during the match, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco national football team in line with tournament regulations.
The Royal Moroccan Football Federation welcomed the outcome, stating its appeal was not aimed at disputing performances on the pitch but at ensuring rules were applied.
“The FRMF wishes to emphasise that its approach has never been intended to challenge the sporting performance of the teams taking part in this competition, but merely to call for the enforcement of the competition rules,” the federation said.
“The federation reaffirms its commitment to compliance with the rules, to a clear competitive framework and to the stability of African competitions.”
Morocco’s federation added that a more detailed statement would be released on Wednesday, as the fallout from one of AFCON’s most contentious finals continues.
Senegal are still expected to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, meaning the final outcome of the tournament could yet face further review.
