Senegalese forward Sadio Mane has reportedly been asked by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to return his player of the tournament award from the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo reported that the award might then be given to Brahim Diaz. Mane has reportedly refused the request, stating that the award, along with the championship trophy, is currently being held at a military base in Senegal.

Sadio Mane (center) won the player of the tournament award at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, while Brahim Diaz (left) received the top scorer award and Bono received the best goalkeeper award. *Photo: EFE*

The demand for Mane to return his individual award marks the second unusual move by CAF within days. This follows the organization's decision to strip Senegal of its championship title and award it to runner-up Morocco, stemming from a highly controversial final match.

The 2026 Africa Cup of Nations was held in Morocco from 21/12/2025 to 18/1/2026. The tournament's final match saw significant controversy. In the fifth minute of added time, the referee disallowed a goal by Senegal against the host nation, citing a foul by Abdoulaye Seck on Achraf Hakimi.

Three minutes later, following a collision between El Hadji Malick Diouf and Brahim Diaz inside Senegal's penalty area, Morocco was awarded a penalty kick. In protest, members of the Senegalese team walked off the field and into their changing room, causing the match to be halted for 14 minutes. After organizers convinced the visiting team to return, Brahim Diaz missed the penalty. Pape Gueye then scored one goal in the first period of extra time, securing a 1-0 victory for Senegal.

Following the conclusion of the final match, Mane received the player of the tournament award, while Brahim Diaz was recognized as the top scorer with 5 goals.

Morocco subsequently filed a complaint regarding the events of the final. On 17/3, CAF's Dispute Resolution Committee ruled that Senegal's action of walking off the field in protest of the penalty was equivalent to a forfeiture, resulting in a 0-3 loss for Senegal. Senegal has not accepted this ruling. The country's football federation moved the championship trophy to a military barracks for safekeeping and has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.

Thanh Quy (via MD)