Chipolopolo legend Charles Musonda had sided with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their controversial decision by the CAF Appeals board to declare Morocco Champions of the 2025 AFCON 58 days after the final was played.
Morocco were declared the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result of the final following Senegal’s controversial walk-off.
Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on 18 January in a match that was overshadowed when the Senegalese players refused to play after the hosts were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.
Following a delay of about 17 minutes, the players did eventually return and Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.
However, that result has now been overturned after a decision by an appeal board at African football’s governing body.
Musonda took to social media to add his voice to the discussion siding with CAF.
“On the issue of the CAF and Senegal team being stripped of the title, I support CAF. Leaving the pitch in the final was a bad example,” Musonda wrote on Facebook.
“Regardless of the circumstances involving the Moroccan team, you cannot leave a match. Consequences follow.”
The former Mufulira Wanderers and Anderlecht player believes that Senegal set a bad precedent for future tournaments hence needed to face consequences.
“Imagine in the future if teams start doing exactly what Senegal did. That was really a circus.”
“The match should’ve been forfeited. You can not protest for more than 10 minutes and walk off the field.
“By the way I support Senegal as a team. Their brand of football is exciting but rules are rules.
“Senegal may have won on the field, but officially, the records will show Morocco as champions. Bound to rules.
“Am with 1% of those who feel CAF is right.”
