The Africa Cup of Nations final held in Morocco continues to spark debate. But for Mamadou Koumé, journalist and former director general of the Senegalese Press Agency (APS), the essential point must not be lost sight of: preserving the historical relations between Dakar and Rabat. Beyond the tensions arising from a football match, he calls for restraint, clear thinking, and a de-escalation of the situation.

According to him, despite a highly charged match that sometimes bordered on chaos, the long-standing ties between Senegal and Morocco cannot be weakened by a sporting event. He also commended the stances taken by certain religious authorities who worked to calm tempers, emphasizing that the depth of relations between the two peoples extends far beyond the realm of a competition.

“The match is behind us,” insists Mamadou Koumé, urging everyone to move on. For him, relations between nations are infinitely more important than the result of a final, however intense it may be. He also calls on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to fully grasp the significance of the situation, especially as Senegal and Morocco, considered the two best teams on the continent, are already looking ahead to the World Cup, scheduled for less than six months from now.

While acknowledging that this final revealed some shortcomings, Koumé argues for a forward-looking approach. "The most important thing today is to look to the future," he emphasizes, convinced that African football can grow from this experience, provided that the lessons are truly learned.

He also highlights the unifying power of sport, illustrated by the popular enthusiasm upon the Lions' arrival in Senegal. This national unity, he argues, is a reminder of football's unique ability to bring together all people, far beyond political or social divides. The scenes of jubilation are reminiscent of those of 2019 and especially 2022, when they won their first World Cup title.

When questioned about the potential sanctions against coach Pape Thiaw, Mamadou Koumé was cautious but firm. He acknowledged that sanctions were possible but believed the Senegalese Football Federation must be prepared to defend its coach. He called Thiaw a "hero," not for his behavior during the final, but for the work he accomplished in record time. Having taken over the national team in December 2024, after winning the CHAN (African Nations Championship), Pape Thiaw has given the Lions a clear identity and a new lease of life. "With a virtually unchanged squad, he transformed a team that had lost its way into a winning force, giving Senegal a second star and confirming the quality of its players," the journalist stated.

Finally, Mamadou Koumé broadened the debate by pointing to an organizational crisis within CAF. According to him, profound changes are needed, particularly in the planning and management of major competitions when the host country reaches the final. "When there's a crisis, there's always change," he concluded, convinced that the continental body must learn all the lessons from this episode for the future of African football.