The Senegalese Football Federation has firmly rejected a decision by the Confederation of African Football to strip the country of its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, insisting the trophy will remain in Senegal despite the ruling.

In a development that has sent shockwaves across the football world, CAF on Tuesday, March 18, announced a retrospective reversal of the tournament’s final result. The governing body awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory, 58 days after their defeat to Senegal in the final.

Senegal had originally secured victory after Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time. However, the match was marred by controversy during regulation time, when Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch in protest.

The protest followed two contentious decisions: the disallowing of a goal by Ismaïla Sarr and a late penalty awarded to Morocco after VAR review. Head coach Pape Thiaw was seen urging his players to leave the field, though the team later returned after a 15-minute stoppage. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz subsequently missed the penalty, sending the match into extra time where Senegal clinched the win.

Reacting to CAF’s decision, FSF Secretary General Abdoulaye Sow strongly criticized the ruling, describing it as unjust and widely condemned.

“The Confederation of African Football is corrupt, and reactions worldwide following this decision confirm total outrage,” Sow said in an interview with *Le Soleil*. “The FSF president is currently in discussions with all relevant stakeholders. The fight is far from over.”

He further reassured Senegalese citizens of the federation’s stance: “Senegal has the right on its side, and victory remains ours. The cup will not leave the country.”

The situation sets the stage for a potentially protracted dispute between Senegalese football authorities and CAF, with further developments expected in the coming days.