AFCON final controversy: CAF chief defends Morocco title decision amid Senegal corruption probe call

The controversy comes from the chaos in the AFCON final's second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty.

Published on: Mar 19, 2026, 18:10:18 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

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Reacting to the Senegal government's decision to call for an international investigation, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has defended the African football confederation's integrity. Senegal's decision came after CAF stripped them of the AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stands next to Senegal's Sadio Mane with the Man of the Competition award after the AFCON final. (AFP)

According to the regulations, Senegal forfeited the final after many players walked off in second-half stoppage time.

Also Read: Senegal government seeks corruption probe after CAF takes away AFCON title and awards it to Morocco

In a video uploaded on CAF's website, Motsepe said, "The CAF disciplinary board took one decision. The CAF appeals board took a totally different position. And I'm told that Senegal is going to appeal, which is very important."

"We will adhere and respect the decision that's taken at the highest level."

‘These are people who have integrity’

The Senegal government hinted at corruption within the CAF hierarchy. The CAF chief said, "If you look at the composition of those bodies, they reflect some of the most respected lawyers and judges on the continent."

"These are people who have integrity and have a track record. ... the independence is reflected by the decisions that were taken by the two bodies."

The controversy comes from the chaos in the final's second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a penalty. The score was 0-0, and in response, many Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest. They were led by their head coach, Pape Thiaw, and were away for 15 minutes.

They finally returned, and Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. Then, Pape Gueye got the winner for Senegal in extra time in a 1-0 victory.

"What happened in that final match is it undermines the good work that CAF has done over many, many years to ensure that there's integrity, that there is respect, that there's ethics, that there's governance, as well as credibility in the results of our football matches," said Motsepe.

"It's a legacy issue. When I became president one of the major concerns was the impartiality, the independence, and the respect of referees and match commissioners, and a lot of good, good work has been done.

"That there continues to be suspicions because it's a legacy issue, it's something that has been there for many, many years and we consistently deal with that because that's critically important," he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

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