Football stars Adepoju and Mido slam CAF for AFCON championship controversy

The Lions of Teranga beat the hosts Atlas Lions 1-0 in a final overshadowed by the Senegalese team refusing to continue after the hosts received a penalty in stoppage time with the score at 0-0.

Following a delay exceeding 15 minutes, the West African side returned, Brahim Diazs penalty was stopped, and then Pape Gueye netted a winner in extra time.

In an unexpected turn, that outcome has been reversed by an appeal panel from the governing body of African football.

A CAF announcement stated that Senegal had forfeited the final, with the match result set as 3-0 for Morocco.

The organisation explained that Senegals team actions violated Article 82 of the Africa Cup of Nations rules, making Article 84 relevant.

As opinions in the football community remain divided on the ruling, ex-Egypt forward Mido has strongly criticised CAF.

CAF is truly a joke. I have said this for years. Many African football greats involved in or at CAF events and meetings are fools, the ex-Spurs player posted.

Taking the trophy from Senegal and giving it to Morocco is the greatest scandal in football history, a choice that will split Africa.

Well done Motsepe, you have made us appear as the Western world expects, like a foolish, backward, and corrupt continent.

Africa needs better. There should be a revolution in African football. These individuals must leave now, not later.

I am not against Morocco, I admire Morocco and Moroccans, with many Moroccan friends I truly love and respect, but this has gone too far.

You lost on the field, yet Senegal performed better in the final and merit the African title.

It is obvious, straightforward, and everyone knows it. I wanted to praise my Moroccan friends, but I cannot celebrate an office victory rather than a pitch one.

Similarly, LaLiga representative Adepoju discussed the implications for African football.

The ruling is harmful. It damages the image and everything, he shared with Footy Africa.

If a call was to be made, it ought to have happened much earlier, not now, not after two months. That is my main concern.

I believe all that delay and debate should not have occurred. I was taken aback. Why the wait if these are the guidelines?

I am unsure what Morocco will do next. Will they rejoice? And what of Senegals festivities?

In the meantime, Senegal has announced plans to challenge the unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable verdict.