In a new development reflecting the ongoing tension surrounding the identity of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champion, the controversy has returned strongly after provocative statements from Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who insisted that his country still considers itself the continental champion despite the official decisions issued by the Confederation of African Football.

What started on the pitch during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations between Senegal and Morocco did not end with the referee’s whistle. Instead, it evolved into a complicated legal, media, and political battle whose chapters are still unfolding.

A Match That Turned Into a Continental Crisis

The crisis dates back to a dramatic final that ended in Senegal’s favor after extra time with a 1-0 victory, before tensions exploded in the closing moments due to strong protests from the Senegalese side over refereeing decisions, most notably the awarding of a penalty kick to Morocco.

The protest led Senegal’s players to temporarily leave the field before returning nearly 15 minutes later to resume the match, in a scene that sparked massive controversy across African football circles.

After reviewing the incident, CAF’s Appeals Committee ruled Senegal to have lost the match 3-0 and officially awarded the title to Morocco, a decision that only intensified the dispute rather than ending it.

The Senegalese Football Federation refused to accept the ruling and escalated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport “CAS,” hoping to overturn the decision and reclaim the continental crown.

Political Statements Add Fuel to the Fire

Amid the legal dispute, the Senegalese president reignited the debate during his participation in the “Africa Forward” summit held in Kenya and attended by several international leaders. Faye declared that Senegal “began 2026 as African champions,” adding that the national team is preparing to defend its title in the next edition of the tournament.

His remarks immediately triggered widespread reactions, especially since the official ruling still recognizes Morocco as champions, with many viewing the comments as an indirect political escalation that deepens the crisis instead of calming it.

The president also linked sporting success to economic growth and job creation, stressing that major sports projects in Senegal — including preparations for the Dakar Youth Olympics — have already generated hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Meanwhile, African football circles continue to await the final verdict from the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a case that has become one of the most controversial disputes in the history of the tournament, dividing opinions between supporters of CAF’s ruling and those who still believe Senegal were the true champions on the pitch.