Sadio Mane has condemned the decision to strip Senegal of the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday (March 17), saying it is killing the passion of millions of people who watch the sport on the continent. The Morocco national football team has been officially handed over AFCON 2026 title on 17 March after CAF upholds appeal overturning Senegal’s win in the finals.
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January’s clash in Rabat descended into chaos when Senegal’s players walked off in protest at a late penalty awarded to Morocco. Although Senegal came back from 14 minutes late to win 1-0 in extra time through Papa Gueye – after Brahim Diaz missed from the spot – the result has now been revised to a 3-0 win in Morocco’s favour.
Mane issued a statement saying the call from CAF has gone too far and there is too much corruption in the game at the moment.
“What happened went too far. This is not the football we fight for, nor the Africa we believe in.”
“There is too much corruption in our game and it is killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch but decisions off it end up deciding matches and trophies,” Mane said.
Mané, who played a big role in getting the Senegalese players back on the pitch, said he was extremely disappointed with African football as a whole and said the fans deserve fairness, transparency and respect.
“I am deeply disappointed – not only for Senegal but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency and respect,” Mane said.
SENEGAL APPROACH CAS
The Senegalese Football Federation called the decision unfair and unacceptable and will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport to overturn CAF’s decision.
“The Senegalese Football Federation condemns this unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision that casts a shadow over African football,” it said in a statement on Wednesday.
“In order for the federation to defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, it will file an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne as soon as possible.”
It remains to be seen if CAS will reverse CAF’s call.
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Published on:
18 March 2026 15:50 IST
