CAF president Motsepe visits Senegal on ‘peace mission’

MaTaZ ArIsInG
Dallas, Texas

CAF president Patrice Motsepe is due in Senegal today on a visit that feels anything but routine, reports insideworldfootball.com.

Motsepe said it is about strengthening ties with one of Africa’s leading football nations. In reality, it comes with a fair amount to unpack.

Motsepe will be received in Dakar by Senegal’s President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, before sitting down with Senegalese FA (FSF) chief Abdoulaye Fall, with talks expected to range from infrastructure and development projects to the small matter of the 2025 AFCON final almost three months ago.

The African confederation has formally stripped the title from Senegal, but the FSF has officially appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport and is awaiting the outcome.

The Lions of Teranga thought they had won AFCON on the night, only for the result to be overturned months later. That decision stemmed from the team’s decision to temporarily abandon the match in protest at a stoppage-time penalty decision, before being convinced by Sadio Mane to return to action.

What followed was perhaps the worst penalty ever seen from Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, ultimately an extra-time victory for Senegal thanks to a thumping effort from Pape Gueye.

CAF’s appeals process eventually handed Morocco a 3-0 win, a call that has not gone down quietly in Dakar.

The reaction since has been pointed out. Senegal pointedly paraded the AFCON trophy at the Parc des Princes ahead of a friendly against Peru, underlining just how firmly the federation and its players believe the issue is unresolved.

Which is what gives this visit its edge. Motsepe has generally favoured a diplomatic approach during his time in charge
but the FSF is not just another member association; Senegal’s weight in the African game, competitively and politically, makes them hard to ignore.

Whether this trip helps cool things or simply keeps the conversation going will be interesting to watch unfold.
The FSF is rolling out the welcome mat, though. Federation chief Abdoulaye Fall said: “Senegal is the land of Teranga. Teranga means hospitality,” adding that Motsepe would be greeted as if in his “own country.”

Whether this trip helps cool things or simply keeps the conversation going will be interesting to watch unfold.
The FSF is rolling out the welcome mat, though. Federation chief Abdoulaye Fall said: “Senegal is the land of Teranga. Teranga means hospitality,” adding that Motsepe would be greeted as if in his “own country.”

1SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW

Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.

Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.

We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.

0.00USD

Amount
0.00

TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com

LATEST POSTS