Mustafa Haji, the legendary figure of the Moroccan national football team, has passionately asserted the rightful claim of the Atlas Lions to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 against Senegal, citing the regulations set forth by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). He pointed out a significant error made by the referee of the famous final match, Congolese Jean-Jacques Ndala. Haji shared his thoughts in a video interview with Kooora, which will be published later, emphasizing that football operates under strict laws. According to him, when players exit the pitch, a penalty should be enforced. He expressed his hope that such a crisis does not recur for the future of African football.
When asked if he anticipates a favorable ruling for Morocco, Haji responded, "God willing, Morocco has committed no wrongdoing, while Senegal's players left the field, thus the law states that Morocco has the right to reclaim the AFCON title." He further commented on Senegal's request to annul the CAF's decision and reclaim the continental title, arguing that since the referee continued the match, the result on the field should stand. Haji placed blame on the Congolese referee for this situation.
He elaborated, "I believe the referee made a significant mistake by deciding to continue the match after Senegal's players exited. It is strange that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) and CAF officials allowed the referee to make that decision alone without intervention." Haji continued, stating, "The Senegalese are well aware of the law and know exactly what transpired. While they may have won the match on the field, they understand that the referee's decision was made to ensure the match continued without further complications." He then reiterated, "However, CAF and FIFA regulations state that if players leave the pitch for more than 10 or 15 minutes, there must be a penalty."
Implications for African Football
Regarding whether he expects objections from the Moroccan public if the ruling favors Senegal, Haji replied, "I hope the final decision is applied fairly to everyone, regardless of the outcome, but God willing, let the decision be in favor of Morocco." The former African Player of the Year in 1998 emphasized, "We are discussing the laws of football; we did not steal the cup unjustly, but won it according to the rules given the events that unfolded on the pitch."
As for the potential appeal against the forthcoming decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), Haji concluded by stating, "I believe it will be difficult to pursue this matter further, especially since it could harm the future of the game in Africa. I want the world to know that there are laws governing African football."
The Dispute Between Morocco and Senegal
Senegal defeated host Morocco 1-0 in the final match held in Rabat on January 18. However, CAF later accepted the appeal presented by the Moroccan Football Federation to count Morocco as the winner of the title due to the withdrawal of Senegal's players from the pitch in protest against Ndala's decision to award a penalty to the home side in the dying minutes of the match. Nevertheless, the Senegalese federation did not back down, filing an unprecedented appeal against CAF's historic decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. The court held a hearing in October with representatives from Morocco, Senegal, and CAF to address the matter and announced that the final decision would be revealed by the end of November.
As reported by kooora.com.
