Cameroon football legend and CAF executive Samuel Eto’o has congratulated Senegal on their historic triumph at the AFCON 2025, describing the Teranga Lions as worthy champions after a dramatic and controversial final against host nation Morocco.
The AFCON final, played on Sunday, 18 January 2026, was marred by chaos late in the game, particularly following a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in added time. Senegalese players and officials strongly protested the decision, with players briefly refusing to continue the match before being convinced to return to the pitch.
Softfootball gathered, Eto’o praised Senegal’s overall performance and resilience, while also highlighting the crucial leadership role played by Sadio Mané, who urged his teammates to come back onto the field and finish the match.
Speaking on the events of the final, Samuel Eto’o said:
“Allow me first to congratulate Senegal, who truly deserve their victory, both the players and the supporters. This group went out and earned their win.
Regarding the incidents that marked this final, we will work to improve our institution so that we no longer see such images, because I believe everything that happened could have been avoided.
I am not accusing CAF; otherwise, I would be accusing myself, since I am among those who have the privilege of making decisions for our football.”
Eto’o’s comments reflect a rare moment of self-criticism from one of African football’s most influential figures, acknowledging that those in leadership positions must take responsibility for ensuring better organisation, officiating, and crisis management in future tournaments.
Senegal eventually went on to win the final 1–0 after extra time, securing their second Africa Cup of Nations title, having previously lifted the trophy in 2021.
Eto’o’s own country, Cameroon, exited the tournament earlier, falling 2–0 to Morocco in the quarter-finals, a result that helped propel the hosts to the final before their eventual defeat by Senegal.
The AFCON 2025 tournament will be remembered not only for Senegal’s triumph, but also for the intense debates it sparked around officiating, leadership, and governance in African football—issues Eto’o says must now be addressed to protect the image of the game.
