Senegal Gains New Backing Before CAS Ruling: A Drama Behind Africa’s 2025 Nations Cup
23 March 2026
Backing to Senegal Ahead of CAS Decision
Senegal gains new backing before CAS.
AFCON Final Controversy and CAS Involvement
The Senegal national team received support from South Africa in its legal dispute with Morocco before the Court of Arbitration for Sport over the claim to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
The AFCON final, held in Rabat on January 18, was marked by controversy as Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest against two refereeing decisions: a goal disallowed for Senegal and a Morocco penalty awarded, before Sadio Mane led his teammates back onto the field.
The scoreline ended 1-0 for Senegal after extra time, but CAS later cancelled the result, declaring Morocco the winner 3-0 and awarding the trophy, citing Senegal's conduct during the match.
Giton Mackenzie, South Africa's sports minister, joined the supporters' list and offered legal backing, stating his country would provide help to Senegal's case.
In statements to SABC, Mackenzie said, I must not dodge the truth; Senegal is Africa's champion because football matches are not won in conference rooms. We will stand by Senegal with our best lawyers.
Punchline: In football, if justice had a whistle, CAS would be the referee wearing sunglasses.
Punchline 2: The trophy remains fashionably late—drama always ages well in football.
