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Former Super Eagles William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticized CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON crown and award it to Morocco, describing the situation as deeply disappointing and difficult for the players to accept.
“When I first heard the news that the result of this year’s AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco had been annulled, I thought it was a joke.
“Then I realized it was real, after reading the official statement from the Confederation of African Football, it made me feel quite sad,” he said in an interview with beIN Sports.
Ekong questioned the legitimacy of celebrating a title decided off the field and insisted that trophies must be won through competition and not administrative decisions.
“All African players want to win this tournament, but would you celebrate it now if you were in Morocco’s place? Absolutely not.
“I would be ashamed to win like that. It wouldn’t feel good. You have to earn it on the field.
“I don’t think I can accept it, but if you publicly reject a medal or a trophy, that also becomes a circus. It definitely cannot be celebrated,” he added.
Abidjan heartbreak
Reflecting on his own experience, Ekong pointed to Nigeria’s defeat in a previous final as an example of respecting results on the field, regardless of the outcome.
“I captained Nigeria in the AFCON final two years ago, which we lost 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast. I would never go back and change the result of a final I was in and lost,” he said.
Ekong empathizes with Senegal
He also expressed his sympathy for the Senegal players, highlighting the emotional toll such a decision can take on a team he believed had won fairly.
“I would be very angry to play a tournament and then have the result change.
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“Senegal will always say they are the winners, and I would do exactly the same, but now other people will question it. I can’t imagine how those players feel.”
Ekong’s comments add to growing criticism for deciding a title in the boardroom rather than on the field.
