Senegal captain Sadio Mané has released a statement after they were stripped of the AFCON title.
Earlier this year, African football was faced with a controversy during the final between host nation Morocco and Senegal. As the game was still at a goalless draw and into the final minute of extra time, VAR intervened and Morocco were awarded a penalty kick. Senegal players heavily protested against the decision, and some left the pitch for some minutes. A few minutes later, Mane called them back, and the penalty had to be taken. Brahim Diaz attempted a panenka, but his effort was saved by Mendy. Senegal ended up scoring the only goal in the extra time and eventually winning the title.
Through a ruling that was made yesterday by a football court, Senegal has been stripped of the title due to forfeiting the match, and Morocco was awarded the title.
Sadio Mané has released a statement criticising the move. “What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in. There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies.I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect. “Read the statement.
