CAF confirms: Morocco are new Africa Cup of Nations winners – Hakimi finally a champion after Senegal stripped of title
What a nail-biter, what a drama! The CAF has spoken and turned African football completely on its head. Senegal have been stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title, and Morocco have been crowned the new champions. For superstar Achraf Hakimi, it's a dream come true – and all of Casablanca is lost in a frenzy of joy. I'm telling you, folks, in my ten years as a football junkie, I've never seen anything like it!
It's been intensely tough days at the headquarters of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). After days of investigations into alleged irregularities in the final, the verdict is in: the title goes to the Atlas Lions. The disappointment in Dakar is massive; in the cafés of the Medina, fans are having heated debates about the decision. But the fact is: Morocco have genuinely earned this star, the team has been playing like a team possessed in recent months.
Hakimi like a young Cafu – Morocco's golden generation
Leading this golden generation is Achraf Hakimi. The Paris Saint-Germain right-back glides down the wing as if he had wings – he'd even make a Cafu swoon. Word from his camp has it that the Brazilian legend said, "This lad reminds me of myself in my prime." No wonder fans from Rabat to Marrakech are talking nineteen to the dozen in cafés: Is Hakimi now the best African player in the world?
But the focus is already on the future. The CAF World Cup qualifiers are just around the corner, and as newly crowned continental champions, Morocco naturally want to make it to North America. The group is manageable, but the opposition are lying in wait. Especially the teams from the CAF Champions League – like Al Ahly or Wydad Casablanca – form the backbone of strong national sides. It's going to be tight.
What does the ruling mean for the coming months?
- New format in World Cup qualifying: The re-evaluation of the Africa Cup of Nations shifts the seeding pots for the draw. Morocco move up to the top tier.
- Champions League slots: The success of national teams has a direct impact on the number of starting spots in the CAF Champions League. Morocco could soon have five clubs in the competition.
- Mood in the country: The title isn't just a boost for fans in the stadiums, but also for business in the small cafés and street-side stalls where every match is watched live.
One thing's for sure: The North Africans have ascended the throne. But Senegal won't be down for long – the Lions of Teranga have bite. My prediction: The return leg in the World Cup qualifiers will be a cracker that you won't want to miss, even in the cosiest café. Stay tuned, folks, African football is serving up drama for a thousand nights!