AFCON 2025: ‘Daylight Robbery’ — Shehu Sani Blasts CAF Over Morocco Decision

By Abah Margaret

A former federal lawmaker, Shehu Sani, has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its decision to declare Morocco winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

CAF had on Tuesday announced Morocco as champions following a ruling by its Appeal Board, which held that Senegal forfeited the final after their players walked off the pitch during the match.

As a result, Morocco were awarded a 3–0 walkover victory, with the decision upholding the country’s appeal after the controversial events that marred the final.

Controversy Surrounding Final

The incident occurred after the centre referee awarded a disputed penalty to Morocco, prompting protests from Senegalese players who briefly walked off the field.

Despite the protest, Senegal captain Sadio Mané remained on the pitch and later persuaded his teammates to return and continue the game.

Morocco, however, missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to win the match 1–0 on the field of play.

Sani Reacts

Reacting to the development, Shehu Sani described CAF’s decision as unjust and dangerous for African football.

“Senegal won the AFCON on the pitch but was snatched by CAF in the boardroom; that’s unconscionable and a dangerous precedent in African football,” he wrote on X.

He added that the temporary walkout by Senegal did not justify stripping them of the title, especially as the team returned to complete the match.

“The fact that the Senegalese team walked out in protest and returned to play till the final whistle doesn’t warrant this afterthought daylight robbery,” he said.

Sani further alleged that the decision was aimed at compensating Morocco for hosting the tournament.