Guardiola Reacts To AFCON Saga, Confirms Trafford For Carabao Cup Final

Pep Guardiola has admitted he was caught off guard by the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to hand out the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco.

Naija News reports that CAF’s Appeal Board overturned Senegal’s 1-0 win in the AFCON final, ruling that the Teranga Lions breached Articles 82 and 84 after walking off in protest of a stoppage-time penalty.

The result was subsequently recorded as a 3-0 forfeit in favour of Morocco, a decision that has stirred debate across the football world.

Speaking on Friday, Guardiola admitted he had not fully grasped the details behind the ruling but hinted at wider concerns.

“It’s a surprise,” he said. “I don’t have a proper opinion because I don’t know the reason why. I didn’t read, didn’t see.

“But it’s a decision made behind-the-scenes. What happens everywhere is what we see, it’s not happened, it always happens behind the scenes and you don’t see their faces. That is what is happening lately in football and all around the world in other subjects.”

Away from the controversy, the Manchester City boss also confirmed his goalkeeper for Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium.

Guardiola revealed that James Trafford will start the final, keeping his place ahead of Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Trafford has featured in all of City’s matches in the competition this season and is set to retain the gloves as they chase their first trophy of the campaign.

Guardiola, however, stressed that selection decisions remain part of the game and players must stay prepared.

“Players can be happy, unhappy. It is what it is,” he said.

“Be here, do the best he can do, and after that, we’ll see what happens at the end of the season.

“The important thing is they have to be ready.”