The controversy surrounding the AFCON 2025 final continues to generate strong reactions, with Burkinabe sports analyst Issoufou Diem offering a critical assessment of Senegal national football team’s decision to leave the pitch during the final in Rabat.
Speaking during a television appearance on BF1, Diem argued that Senegal were not justified in their actions, which ultimately led to the Confederation of African Football awarding Morocco national football team a 3-0 victory by forfeit under articles 82 and 84.
“Senegal was not right,” Diem said. “Leaving the field and protesting like that, at some point, we have to admit something, right? This had to end one day.”
His remarks add to the ongoing debate about the circumstances surrounding the final, which has remained unresolved since the ruling.
Diem suggested that the incident was not entirely unprecedented, arguing that similar situations have occurred in Senegal’s football history. He referenced a past Africa Cup of Nations tournament in 2000, claiming that Senegal had previously walked off the pitch during a match in Nigeria.
“Senegal is used to this kind of behavior,” he added. “Remember the Africa Cup of Nations in 2000 in Nigeria, when Senegal left the pitch. Or think about their captain, Papa Malick Diop, who was asking his teammates to walk off.”
The analyst also addressed arguments from those who believe the outcome of the final should have stood as it was at the conclusion of the match. He acknowledged that some supporters feel the result on the pitch should not have been overturned, but suggested the situation is more complex.
“I hear people saying the game was finished, the result was confirmed, and that’s it,” he said. “But things are more complicated than that.”
Diem further pointed to a previous international fixture involving South Africa national football team and Senegal as an example of a match being replayed after its initial result.
“The qualifier between Senegal and South Africa in 2013, South Africa won 2-1, but the match was replayed,” he noted. “So Senegal will need stronger arguments, because this one does not hold.”
His comments come as Senegal prepares to challenge CAF’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a final ruling on the matter is expected.
Beyond the legal process, Diem emphasised that the issue also raises broader questions about consistency, accountability and conduct on the field. The debate continues to divide opinion, with differing interpretations of both the incident and the governing body’s response.
As the appeal process approaches, the controversy remains one of the most discussed topics in African football, with stakeholders awaiting a definitive resolution.
