Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf has strongly criticised the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) handling of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting that Senegal remain the rightful champions despite the governing body’s decision to overturn the result.
The controversy stems from CAF’s ruling following a tense final between Senegal national football team and Morocco national football team, in which Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory after extra time. However, the outcome was later revised, with Senegal deemed to have lost the match 3-0, sparking widespread debate and an escalating dispute between the two nations.
Diouf has made it clear that he rejects the decision outright, maintaining that events on the pitch should be the ultimate determinant of the champion. His remarks come as Senegal’s football authorities pursue an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a bid to overturn CAF’s ruling.
“We have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, and my role now is to trust this institution; for all football fans and all experts, the African champion is Senegal,” Diouf said.
The former forward further emphasised that, in his view, the manner in which the match concluded is secondary to the fact that Senegal emerged victorious during play. “The most important thing is not how the match ended, but who won. No one remembers whether we played 90 minutes? Or whether we played extra time? The most important thing is that Senegal won, and the whole world is happy with this victory, and that is what matters.”
The final itself was marked by high tension and dramatic moments. Senegal scored the decisive goal in extra time after a tightly contested encounter. Earlier, Morocco had been awarded a late penalty, which added to the intensity of the match. Senegalese players briefly left the pitch in protest before returning following intervention from captain Sadio Mane. The penalty was ultimately missed by Ibrahim Diaz, paving the way for Senegal to secure victory.
Despite what unfolded on the field, CAF’s subsequent decision to strip Senegal of the title has led to a deepening dispute, with Diouf insisting that the perception of the result among fans and players remains unchanged.
He also indicated that celebrations would go ahead regardless of the official ruling, stating: “I ask everyone to come, there will be a great celebratory atmosphere… We will celebrate as we should, and we will display the trophy as real champions do.”
Diouf concluded by stressing that Senegal would not relinquish its claim to the title and that the legal challenge represents a crucial step in defending what he sees as a legitimate victory.
The case is now set to be examined by the Court of Arbitration for Sport, whose decision could prove decisive in resolving one of the most contentious episodes in recent African football. Until then, the dispute continues to cast a shadow over the 2025 tournament, with both sides standing firmly by their positions.
