Tensions remain high as Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), arrives in Dakar today. His visit follows the controversial decision to award the CAN 2025 title to Morocco despite their on-field loss to Senegal (0-1 a.e.t.) in January. This move has left many in Senegal deeply frustrated.

The CAF president announced in late March that he would travel to both Senegal and Morocco to emphasize the need for unity in African football development. He arrived in the early hours of Wednesday at Blaise Diagne International Airport near Dakar, where he was greeted by Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).

According to a CAF statement, Motsepe’s itinerary includes a visit to Gorée Island, a historic site symbolizing the transatlantic slave trade, located off the coast of Dakar. He is also expected to meet with Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye before holding a press conference at 5:30 PM local time (GMT+1) at a Dakar hotel.

Senegalese government demands accountability

The visit comes amid escalating tensions after the CAF’s Appeals Committee ruled Senegal “forfeited the final” and declared Morocco the winner 3-0, citing Articles 82 and 84 of the tournament regulations. The Senegalese Football Federation received the ruling three weeks after it was issued and has since appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), though a verdict is still pending.

The CAF’s decision has ignited strong reactions in Senegal. On March 18, the government issued a statement demanding an international investigation into alleged corruption within CAF leadership. Motsepe responded by asserting that no nation receives preferential treatment, praising the independence of CAF’s disciplinary bodies.

The chaotic final in Rabat saw Senegalese players walk off the pitch for 15 minutes after a contentious penalty decision in stoppage time, following the disallowal of what would have been a Senegalese goal. Morocco’s penalty, converted by Brahim Díaz in a panenka attempt that ultimately failed, led to a 1-0 victory in regulation. The Lions of Teranga later secured the win in extra time.