Senegalese lawyer Patrick Kabou has expressed emphatic confidence in Senegal’s bid to retain the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title, claiming the country has a “200%” chance of winning its legal battle with Morocco.
Speaking to Senegalese broadcaster RTS after Thursday’s hearing at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Kabou praised the lawyers representing Senegal and the legal arguments submitted in support of the country’s appeal.
The case concerns the disputed outcome of the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco, with the two countries awaiting a ruling that could determine who officially holds the continental title.
Kabou’s assessment reflects his confidence in Senegal’s legal position, although the final decision rests with the CAS panel examining the case.
Kabou praises Senegal’s legal team
Kabou, who previously represented 18 Senegalese supporters detained in Morocco following the final, said he was impressed by the experience and expertise of the lawyers handling Senegal’s appeal.
He explained that he could not discuss the proceedings in detail in his capacity as a lawyer but was willing to offer his assessment as an academic and researcher.
“When we see the lineup of lawyers who handled this case, we feel confident. They are lawyers we often meet in the corridors of CAS, and they are very skilled in legal procedures,” Kabou said.
He also praised the legal memorandum prepared by a team led by Senegalese lawyer Seydou Diagne, describing it as thorough, coherent and firm in its demands.
Kabou was particularly confident about the quality of the submission, using an emphatic figure to express his assessment of Senegal’s prospects.
“When we look at the memorandum prepared by the team led by lawyer Diagne, the chances of success, if I had to put a percentage on it, are 200%,” he said.
He added that, based on his reading of the arguments, he found it difficult to envisage an outcome other than a decision in Senegal’s favour.
‘We will keep our trophy’
Kabou also insisted that Senegal would retain the title the team celebrated after the final, expressing confidence that the legal process would ultimately vindicate the country’s position.
“We will keep our trophy because it already belongs to us. We will have to find another way to celebrate it again, if possible, because we have already celebrated it before,” he said.
The dispute has left the official outcome of the final subject to legal proceedings, with Morocco challenging Senegal’s position.
Despite Kabou’s confidence, his comments do not represent a prediction from the court or guarantee the outcome of the appeal. CAS must independently consider the arguments and evidence presented by the parties before delivering its ruling.
