Gayton McKenzie, Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture ©Zamani Makautsi/BackpagePix
Saturday Mar 21, 2026. 10:24
South Africa’s Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, has offered the country’s support to Senegal in its bid to keep the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title after it was stripped last earlier this week.
The CAF Appeal Board took the title away from the Lions of Teranga, who won the final against Morocco in January, and awarded it to Morocco as Senegalese players left the pitch during the match over a refereeing decision. The board cited Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in its decision.
With Senegal likely heading to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), McKenzie offered both moral support and resources to aid the nation in claiming its crown back.
“We must not beat around the bush. Senegal are the African Champions because football games are not won in the boardroom. We will stand by Senegal and assist them, we’ve got top lawyers in this country that will help out,” said McKenzie, speaking on SABC News’ Morning Live on Friday.
In addition to McKenzie’s comments, Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos criticised the decision on Thursday after announcing his squad for the upcoming international break.
“The only thing I can say is that CAF shows again that there is no consistency in their decisions,” said Broos.
“You have to be consistent in what you decide, and not for this one doing that, and for the other one doing this, and not following the rules.”
The 2025 AFCON title saga is likely to drag on as Senegal prepares to take its case further.
By Nic Gleeson