Moroccan supporters celebrate disputed AFCON championship yet Senegal challenge sparks restraint
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced Morocco as winners on Tuesday following a decision that Senegal had forfeited the January 18th final in Rabat by leaving the field for 14 minutes to protest a key penalty given against them.
Even though Senegal came back and won 1-0 in extra time, the CAF Appeal Board overturned the outcome, granting Morocco a 3-0 win.
The Senegalese Football Federation announced plans to challenge the "unprecedented and unacceptable" verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), whereas the Royal Moroccan Football Federation stated that applying the rules strictly would benefit African football.
Responses in Morocco were mostly favourable, with fans viewing the decision as long awaited fairness.
"The real shock was that a just call was issued, yet considering the logic, it makes sense and honours the squad that earned the championship. It establishes a standard too, as abandoning the game when things turn against you cannot be tolerated," remarked Abdelmalek Hamza, a supporter in Casablanca.
"The ruling was made decisively, and both the national side and Moroccans merit this success and crown."
Oussama Ouaddich from Rabat, present at the event, expressed delight at the outcome, stating: "I am thrilled. We merited this award. Following a harsh wrong, fairness is at last served to Morocco."
Reserve amid Senegal legal bid
That said, certain fans stayed wary due to the looming CAS review.
"Truthfully, I am not celebrating fully. We must observe the appeal developments. The verdict remains provisional," noted Imane Fakhir, a student at university.
Omar Fallouji, a Casablanca football enthusiast, commented: "Fortunately, CAF treated us justly, and I trust the prize will come our way once the Senegalese side contests at CAS."
Some showed minimal worry about the challenge.
"The trophy was taken from us. CAF rectified matters and delivered fairness to Moroccans," stated Mohammed Akherraz, a Rabat attorney.
"Challenging the ruling is merely delaying, though it is a valid option that will not change the outcome."
A few Moroccans stressed preventing heightened friction with Senegal.
"As a Moroccan, certainly I feel pride. However, I desire more that this does not create lasting harm between our nations," declared Bilal Jouahri, a Rabat business owner.
"Allow the legal experts, panels, and bodies to handle their duties. Rage and abuse help no one. Football thrives on passion, yet passions fade. It is merely a sport and ought not to stir animosity," he continued.
CAF leader Patrice Motsepe supported the verdict on Wednesday, emphasising the need to honour choices from the groups disciplinary and appeals units, as Senegals athletes mocked the call on social platforms.