Sadio Mané Comments on CAF Decision Regarding 2025 Africa Cup Final

Senegalese football star Sadio Mané sharply criticized the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the Appeals Committee officially awarded victory to Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup final.

In his statement, Mané emphasized:

*"What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, this is not the Africa we believe in.

There is too much corruption in our game, and it kills the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give their all on the field, but decisions off it determine the outcome of matches and tournaments.

I am deeply disappointed not only for Senegal but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. Fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect."*

Originally, Senegal had won the 2025 Africa Cup final 1-0 in extra time. However, two months later, CAF officially recognized Morocco as the winner, recording a technical defeat for Senegal 0-3.

The decision was based on Article 84 of the tournament regulations: Morocco’s football federation appeal was upheld, and the previous disciplinary committee decision was overturned. The key incident was Senegalese players leaving the field after a penalty was awarded in the final moments of regular time.