AFCON drama: De Sa says CAF ‘looks silly’ after Senegal decision
by Sipho Mlotha · KickOffVeteran coach Roger De Sa has reacted with disappointment to the shocking news of Senegal being stripped their African Cup of Nations title by CAF two months after the final.
The Confederations of African Football has stripped Senegal of the AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco following a successful appeal by the North Africans.
READ: JUST IN: CAF crown Morocco 2025 AFCON champions
The ruling stems from a walk off the pitch protest by the Senegalese players in the final, and the new developments sees the final result being turned a 1-0 win for the Lions of Teranga to a 3-0 forfeit victory for the host nation.
"If you remember when it happened, I said according to the rules, Senegal shouldn't have won the game. You can't have players leaving the field," shared De Sa, speaking exclusively to KickOff.
"If they come back to the field, they should be booked. That's what the law says. So, CAF obviously went above the law. So, CAF and FIFA has to step in. Now they are looking a little bit silly.
In a statement, the Senegalese Football Federation described the decision as unfair, unprecedented, unacceptable and said it discredits African football.
De Sa said because of the West Africans' appeal, the decision to award Morrocco the title could be overturned.
The former goalkeeper said this whole debacle will reinforce the world's perception of Africa football being being below global standards.
“Once again, how does the rest of the world even recognise AFCON now since, over the years, they've been telling everybody that it's a useless tournament? With this now, we are reinforcing their statement,” adds the former Egypt national team assistant, while taking a dim view of the situation.
"Our continent has a very particular way of destroying itself. It's unbelievable!
READ: Senegal hit back at 'unfair' CAF call as CAS appeal looms
“It's gonna be a non-stop discussion from now on. For the referee to allow the matches to continue, he was given orders from above as well. I'm sure of that. There was 10 people from CAF or FIFA around the referee.
"If the prizemoney has been paid to Senegal, who is gonna give it back and who is gonna give their medals back? I know I wouldn't. This leaves a bitter taste to anybody. It's not good for the African game, it's a bit of an embarrassment."