Senegal's AFCON 2025 Triumph Marred by Trophy Controversy
In a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Senegal emerged victorious over Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on January 16, 2026. The Teranga Lions secured their second continental title with a hard-fought win, but the celebration was tinged with an unusual twist: they did not receive the original AFCON trophy.
The Decisive Moment and Match Controversies
Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in the fourth minute of extra time, capitalizing on a brilliant play initiated by Sadio Mane. This 94th-minute strike proved decisive in a match filled with tension and controversy. The game was disrupted during additional time when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a controversial penalty to Morocco, shortly after disallowing a Senegal goal.
This decision prompted Senegal coach Pape Thiaw to order his players off the pitch in protest. Captain Sadio Mane intervened diplomatically, consulting with officials Claude Le Roy and El Hadji Diouf before persuading his teammates to return. Morocco's Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the penalty, sealing Senegal's victory.
CAF's Trophy Policy: A Historical Perspective
The Confederation of African Football has implemented a strict policy regarding trophy presentation for several decades. Champions receive a replica trophy for celebrations and keep it until the next tournament, while the original remains securely stored at CAF headquarters in Egypt.
This policy originated from unfortunate incidents involving previous winners. Ghana's Black Stars, who dominated African football in the 1960s and 1970s, were awarded the original Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem trophy permanently after three victories but subsequently lost it from their headquarters.
The Evolution of AFCON Trophies
Three distinct trophies have marked AFCON history:
- The Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem Trophy (1957-1979)
- The African Unity Trophy (1980-2000)
- The Current Trophy (2001-present)
Nigeria's Green Eagles won the first African Unity Trophy in 1980, while Ghana claimed it in 1982. Cameroon, the final winners of this trophy, also experienced its disappearance. Most notably, the original trophy presented to Egypt after their 2010 triumph went missing from the Egyptian FA headquarters in Cairo in 2013.
Aftermath and Investigations
The controversial final has prompted CAF to launch an official investigation, with multiple federations filing petitions to express grievances. Meanwhile, Sadio Mane was named Player of the Tournament for his crucial leadership in restoring calm during the match protest, edging out Nigeria's Ademola Lookman for the honor.
Senegal will proudly display their replica trophy until the 2027 edition in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, continuing a tradition that protects African football's most prestigious physical symbol while celebrating new champions.
