Fans label AFCONs revocation of Senegals championship a disgrace to Africa
Senegal football supporters criticised AFCONs choice to withdraw the nations Africa Cup of Nations championship and award it to Morocco describing the action as a disgrace to Africa upon learning the announcement on Wednesday.
Gora Ndiaye a Dakar resident employed as a driver shared with AFP that he felt as though he had been struck on the head upon hearing the update via radio.
The Confederation of African Football or CAF dramatically removed Senegals title on Tuesday evening referencing rules concerning departure from the pitch which occurred at the conclusion of the final two months prior.
As the report spread rapidly through social networks and broadcasts on Wednesday supporters anticipate an upcoming challenge from their national football governing body.
If such a rule applied it ought to have been enforced right away and the trophy handed to Morocco Ndiaye remarked labelling the development a disgrace to Africa.
Numerous Senegalese athletes controversially exited the field in Rabat at the finals climax on January 18 protesting after the home side received a late second half additional time penalty.
Following the players eventual return prompted by team leader Sadio Mane Morocco failed to convert the spot kick and Pape Gueye netted the extra time winner securing a 1-0 triumph for his side.
CAF announced after reviewing Moroccos submission that the Senegal squad forfeits the encounter with the official scoreline set at 3-0 for Morocco.
I began with laughter mixed with astonishment since it truly stunned me that after two months they revoked our success stated Assietou Diallo a 25 year old accounting aide to AFP in central Dakar.
The Senegalese media concurred in their coverage featuring front page declarations like Big Continental Farce Joke of the Century and Unprecedented Scandal.
Awaiting the challenge
Senegals football federation announced plans to contest the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport denouncing it as an unjust unprecedented and unacceptable verdict.
In the interim Senegal enthusiasts insist that despite losing the award they remain the rightful champions according to observers.
We competed and prevailed Senegal backer Khola Diouf conveyed to AFP in Dakar highlighting Moroccos failed penalty in the closing stages and noting that the global audience recognises Senegals entitlement to the prize.
The cup Ndiaye the chauffeur explained is merely an item and even if presented to the Moroccans it must be understood that Senegal defeated them during the contest.
Issac Ndiaye an administrative worker in Dakar adopted a more reserved stance viewing the AFCON outcome as not entirely unforeseen.
I am not overly astonished The Senegalese response was somewhat over the top the 38 year old informed AFP I believe that within AFCON the sole individual maintaining composure was Sadio Mane.
The CAF Appeals Board supported its ruling by invoking Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Rules stipulating that should a side decline to continue or depart the venue prior to the matches standard conclusion without referees consent it will be deemed the loser and disqualified from the ongoing event.
These provisions further indicate that the offending party forfeits by a 3-0 margin.