Executive Council member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and president of the Mauritanian Football Federation, Samir Sabha has issued a formal apology to the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, acknowledging that an injustice occurred during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
The continental showpiece final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium ended in a dramatic fashion. Senegal players walked off the pitch for about 17 minutes in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.
After intervention from captain Sadio Mane, the Teranga Lions returned to complete the match and went on to win the title after extra time. Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal after Brahim Diaz missed the penalty that sparked the protest.
However, Samir Sabha, has admitted that decisions surrounding the final event fell short of fairness and integrity. For him, players involved in the walk-off should be cautioned by the referee in the high-stake final in Rabat.
“I would like to ask the Royal Moroccan Football League to forgive us for the injustice we have suffered,” he told newspaper “the guardian”. The rules were not properly respected in this match… They were taken away of their right. After the Senegalese team left the field, all players had to be warned with a yellow card.”
“I am not saying that the title should not be awarded to the Senegalese team. What happened has happened and cannot be changed, but we must put the ego aside and recognise that an injustice occurred on the Moroccan team, and after reviewing the rules of the competition, I am sure that my position is correct.”
The victory saw Senegal clinch their second Africa Cup of Nations title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021 after defeating Egypt on penalties.
Meanwhile, Morocco’s bid to end a 50-year AFCON title drought suffered a major setback as they fell short in the final.
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