Sadio Mane's teammates instantly react to Senegal being stripped of AFCON

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Senegal stars have reacted to being stripped of the AFCON title after a bombshell ruling awarding Morocco a 3-0 win for January's controversial final

Sadio Mane and Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy in January(Image: SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP via Getty Images)

Two of Sadio Mane's Senegal teammates have quickly reacted to the news the country has been stripped of its AFCON victory.

Senegal claimed a dramatic win in January's final against Morocco in a game overshadowed by controversy. A dubious penalty awarded to the hosts in the closing stages saw Senegal threaten to leave, only for Mane to bring his team back onto the field after making a "rather lose" admission.

After Brahim Diaz missed the stoppage team penalty, Senegal went on to win in extra time and lift the trophy. However, AFCON organizers have now thrown out that result and given Morocco a 3-0 win, releasing a bombshell statement explaining the ruling.

And Senegal players were quick to react to the news on social media, brushing off the suggestion they are no longer champions. Sunderland star Habib Diarra instantly posted a string of photos of himself with the trophy during the celebrations, along with a string of laughing emojis.

Pathe Ciss also posted on social media with a string of photos of their win, declaring them 2025 champions of Africa, while Moussa Niakhate challenged the CAF to "come and take my medal" in an Instagram story.

(Image: Instagram/habib.diarra.38)

(Image: Instagram/Niakhate)

Immediately the final, Mane said: "Football is something special, the world was watching, the world loves football and I think football is a pleasure so we have to give a good image for football.

"I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing especially in African football. I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.

"I think it's really bad. Football should not stop for even ten minutes but what can we do? We have to accept that we did but the good thing is that we came back and we played the game and what happened happened."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino spoke out against the behavior of Senegal at the time as he said: “We also witnessed unacceptable scenes on the field and in the stands - we strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members.

“It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner, and equally, violence cannot be tolerated in our sport, it is simply not right.

"We must always respect the decisions taken by the match officials on and off the field of play. Teams must compete on the pitch and within the Laws of the Game, because anything less puts the very essence of football at risk.”