Lions of Teranga Conquer Africa, But the Original Trophy Stays Behind: Here’s Why


-By Ruben Mario Brodrick ​

RABAT, Morocco – Senegal has once again ascended to the throne of African football, silencing a record-breaking home crowd in Rabat with a gritty 1-0 extra-time victory over Morocco. However, while the celebrations in Dakar will last for weeks, the physical gold trophy they lifted at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium is already heading back into the hands of officials.

​The Match of the Century

​The 2025 final was nothing short of a cinematic drama. Facing a hostile atmosphere and a powerhouse Moroccan side, Senegal navigated a minefield of VAR controversies and physical play. The deadlock was finally broken in extra time when Pape Gueye found the back of the net, sealing Senegal’s status as a dominant force in African football.

​Why the Original Trophy is Heading Back to CAF

​Many fans are surprised to learn that the "Lions of Teranga" won’t be keeping the iconic silverware in their permanent trophy cabinet. This isn’t a penalty for the late-game tensions; rather, it is a strict adherence to CAF (Confederation of African Football) regulations.

  • ​The "Replica" Rule: Since 2002, CAF has maintained a policy that the original trophy remains their property. Champions are permitted to lift and parade the authentic trophy during the ceremony, but it must be returned shortly after.
  • ​The Permanent Replica: In its place, the Senegalese Football Federation will be gifted an official, high-quality replica to keep forever.
  • ​Heritage Protection: This rule was established after CAF lost two previous iterations of the trophy in earlier decades. Keeping the original in a secure, central location protects the history and branding of the tournament.

​The "Three-Title" Exception

​There is one way to keep the real deal: The Hat-Trick Rule. A nation must win the AFCON tournament three times to earn the right to keep an original version of the trophy permanently.

​Current Standings: This victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title. They now sit just one tournament win away from claiming a permanent version of the trophy for their national archives.


​A Historic Achievement

​Regardless of which trophy sits in the case, Senegal’s journey to the 2025 title is one for the history books. Overcoming injuries, suspensions, and the pressure of playing the hosts in the final, the Lions have proven that while the metal might be returned, the glory and the gold medals belong to them alone.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Breaking: Agbor Catholic Community Mourns as Fr. Chukwuma Collapses, Dies on the Pulpit During New Year Mass

Image
-​By Ruben Mario Brodrick  The Catholic Diocese of Issele-Uku and the entire Ika nation have been plunged into deep mourning following the sudden and poetic transition of one of their most dedicated spiritual pillars, Very Rev. Fr. Stephen Chukwuma . In an event that has left the congregation of St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Boji-Boji Agbor, in a state of shock and solemn reflection, the beloved cleric breathed his last while performing his final earthly duty: presiding over the New Year Day Mass. ​Witnesses recount that Father Chukwuma was standing at the pulpit, delivering the message of hope for the year 2026, when he collapsed in the presence of his parishioners. Despite the immediate efforts of those present, it became clear that the veteran priest had finished his race. For many of the faithful, his death is seen as a "saintly exit," occurring while he was clad in his sacred vestments and standing at the altar of God—the very place he dedicated his...
Read more

Archbishop Akubeze Announces the Passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa

Image
-By Ruben Mario Brodrick  It is with a heavy heart that Archbishop Augustine Obiora Akubeze announces the passing of Fr. Jude Ezenwa, who died on the afternoon of Sunday, September 7, 2025. The news was shared by Fr. Mike Oyanoafoh on behalf of the Archbishop. Fr. Jude Ezenwa will be remembered for his dedication and service as Parish Priest of Immaculate Conception Parish, Ugo in Orhiomwon  Local Government Area of Edo State.  Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services will be announced in the coming days. We ask for prayers for the repose of his soul and for his family and loved ones during this difficult time. May he rest in perfect peace.
Read more

Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome

Image
Why Pope Francis died -Pastor Chris Oyakhilome April 26, 2025  Pope Francis Was Killed, Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Reveals Chris Oyakhilome, A controversial Nigerian cleric, has claimed without evidence that Pope Francis died from the effects of taking the coronavirus vaccine. Mr Oyakhilome, president of LoveWorld Incorporated, made the claim on Saturday, about five years after he falsely claimed that there was a link between the 5G network, Coronavirus, and the Anti-Christ. In April 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak and the lockdown directives, the pastor slammed his colleagues for consenting to the closure of churches. In January 2021, Pope Francis said that people have a moral obligation to receive one of the new COVID-19 vaccines, revealing that he was expecting his first dose. According to the National Catholic Reporter, the pope said that taking the vaccine was a moral choice because it was about saving lives. Claim on Pope’s death While the Vatican announced on Mon...
Read more