Morocco Coach Praises AFCON Decision, Senegal Threatens Legal Action

According to Ireporter Online, Morocco’s new head coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, has endorsed the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, calling it “well-deserved.”

The ruling, confirmed on March 17, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory in the final held in Rabat on January 18. CAF sanctioned the Lions of Teranga after their players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. Although captain Sadio Mane led his team back onto the field, Morocco missed the penalty, but Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal initially sealed what was celebrated as a Senegalese win.

Speaking on Thursday while unveiling his first squad for upcoming friendlies against Ecuador and Paraguay, Ouahbi expressed his satisfaction. “First of all, I would like to congratulate all Moroccans, the staff, the players and the federation on the good news we got two days ago, which is well-deserved,” he said. He added that the decision had lifted spirits nationwide but emphasized that the team must remain focused on the present and future, particularly preparing for the World Cup.

Morocco’s football federation also praised CAF for its “respect for the rules.” Meanwhile, Senegal has moved quickly to contest the ruling, instructing lawyers to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, describing the decision as “unjust.”

The controversy follows earlier disciplinary action by CAF in January, when both federations were fined for unsporting conduct, though the match result was not altered at that time. Attention now turns to the legal process, which could result in further developments.

On the sporting front, Morocco is already preparing for the World Cup, where they will compete in Group C alongside Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti, building on their historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.