Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou has spoken publicly for the first time about the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco, admitting the news brings joy despite arriving months after the final.
Speaking after helping Al-Hilal secure their spot in the King's Cup final with a penalty shootout victory, Bounou addressed the ruling in an interview.
"The AFCON? Honestly, it's news that arrived very late, but as a Moroccan and a national team player who lived through that difficult moment, you can't help but be happy," Bounou said.
The January 18 final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into second-half stoppage time when Morocco were awarded a disputed penalty after VAR intervention. In protest, most Senegal players walked off the pitch for approximately 17 minutes before being persuaded to return.
Brahim Diaz's subsequent Panenka attempt was saved comfortably, and Senegal went on to score the winner in extra time.
On March 17, CAF's Appeal Board upheld Morocco's protest, ruling that Senegal's walkout breached tournament regulations. The decision stated that a team leaving the field without referee authorisation forfeits the match, with the result recorded as a 3-0 defeat.
The ruling overturned the Disciplinary Board's earlier decision and declared Morocco 3-0 winners, awarding them their first AFCON title in 50 years.
The Senegalese Football Federation has condemned the ruling and confirmed it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Senegal captain Sadio Mané expressed concern about the precedent, stressing the importance of protecting the image of African football.
The matter now heads to CAS, with the final outcome still uncertain.
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