Morocco has been declared the winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), defeating Senegal in the final. The victory, secured in a tightly contested match, has been met with celebration across Morocco but has sparked significant controversy and protests among the Senegalese diaspora, particularly in the French city of Bordeaux.
Following the final whistle, members of the Senegalese community in Bordeaux gathered to protest the outcome, with many expressing anger and alleging that key officiating decisions went against their team. Videos and reports from the scene showed crowds chanting and demonstrating, with local police monitoring the situation. The protests were largely peaceful but underscored the high emotions surrounding the tournament's conclusion.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has upheld the match result. In a statement, CAF congratulated Morocco on its victory and stated that the match officials' decisions were subject to standard review procedures, with no grounds found to overturn the outcome. The Senegalese Football Federation has not formally lodged an official protest regarding the officiating.
The incident highlights the deep passion for football within African communities in Europe. Local authorities in Bordeaux have emphasized the importance of calm and dialogue, acknowledging the community's disappointment while affirming the final sporting result.
