Africa celebrates Senegal's AFCON win over Morocco amid deep tensions
When Senegal triumphed over host nation Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final on January 18, 2026, celebrations erupted across the continent, from Dakar to Lagos. Social media buzzed with declarations that African football had prevailed while Morocco faltered. This reaction revealed longstanding frictions in Morocco's ties with African soccer, rooted in history, politics, and perceptions of detachment.
A friend's glee from Lesotho captured the sentiment: "Real Africans have won." The remark hinted at deeper divides, beyond skin color or Morocco's stars like Achraf Hakimi, the African Footballer of the Year. Morocco's 1984 exit from the Organization of African Unity over the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic's admission left scars; its 2017 return to the African Union faced opposition from 15 states, breeding distrust in soccer circles too.
The 2015 AFCON saga intensified resentment. Morocco cited Ebola fears to request a postponement, then withdrew when denied, drawing sanctions. Many in sub-Saharan Africa viewed it as rejection, not prudence, stigmatizing the continent during a crisis.
Sahara remains the sharpest flashpoint. The African Union's recognition clashes with Morocco's claims, spilling into soccer via disputes like RS Berkane's map sanction. For Sahrawi supporters, opposing Morocco symbolizes resistance. Morocco's European leanings, from its failed 1987 EU bid to co-hosting the 2030 World Cup with Spain and Portugal, fuel questions of belonging: embraced in triumphs like 2022's World Cup run, yet eyed warily otherwise.
Hosting AFCON 2025 aimed to mend ties but amplified grievances. Rivals cited hostile crowds, poor facilities, and biased refereeing. Incidents like ball boys snatching towels from goalkeepers, including Hakimi discarding Edouard Mendy's in the final, went viral as evidence of unsportsmanlike tactics. Senegal's reserve keeper Yehvann Diouf guarding his teammate's towel became a folk hero, echoing similar clashes with Nigeria's Stanley Nwabali.
Morocco boasts top infrastructure and influence in the Confederation of African Football, yet lacks trust. Supporters see progress; critics detect control. Senegal's victory left Morocco not just beaten, but symbolically sidelined, reflecting unresolved layers of history, identity, and rivalry in African football.
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