When Senegal beat host nation Morocco to win the Africa Cup of Nations final, the reaction across much of the continent was immediate and unmistakable.
From Dakar to Dar es Salaam, from Harare to Lagos, the mood was less about Senegalβs triumph and more about Moroccoβs defeat.
On social media, a blunt verdict trended: African football won. Morocco lost.
Morocco's Achraf Hakimi (L) and Brahim Diaz react during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final match against Senegal at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat, Morocco, Jan. 18, 2026. (AFP Photo)
I called one of my friends from the relatively small nation of Lesotho, and he was ecstatic. Yes, he is a football fanatic, but this time his happiness was rooted in something more than just love of the game. It was personal. He uttered the words, βReal Africans have won.β
I paused. What did he mean by βrealβ? Arenβt Moroccans Africans, too? After all, the reigning African Footballer of the Year is Moroccan, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) star Achraf Hakimi.
At face value, the statement comes across as blatant racism. Moroccans may be light-skinned, but letβs be honest, it canβt be that simple.
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