Senegal stripped of AFCON title; set to appeal to CAS

After Senegal were stripped of their 2025/26 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title courtesy of a bombshell ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on March 17, the Senegalese Football Federation (SFF) has indicated its desire to take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). 

In its ruling, the CAF Appeal Board found the Senegal team guilty of breaching Articles 82 and 84 of the Regulations of the CAF AFCON, thus seeing their initial 1-0 victory over Morocco on January 18 being overturned to a 3-0 result in the Moroccans' favour. 

Photo courtesy Confederation of African Football

Article 82 reads, "If, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorisation of the referee, it shall be considered looser (sic) and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition."

Article 84 cemented the ruling for the Appeal Board. Article 84 says, "The team which contravenes the provisions of articles 82 and 83 shall be eliminated for good from the competition. This team will lose its match by 3-0 unless the opponent has scored a more advantageous result at the time when the match was interrupted; in this case, this score will be maintained." 

The SFF doesn't plan to go down without a fight, though, and late on March 17, it signalled its intentions to tackle the matter head-on. 

"The Senegalese Football Federation denounces an unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable decision that discredits African football," an SFF release said. 

"To defend its rights and the interests of Senegalese football, the federation will initiate, as soon as possible, an appeal procedure before the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne." 

The SFF said it remains committed to upholding the values and integrity of sporting justice. 

 A snapshot of Articles 82-84 of the Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations. 

In an AFCON final which was tense and heated at times, the Senegalese felt aggrieved when a late goal from star forward Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for an infringement. With the scores goalless deep into second-half stoppage-time, the Moroccans were awarded a penalty after a VAR review, with defender El Hadji Malick Diouf adjudged to have fouled in the area. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw was livid, and he ordered his players off the field in protest. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and most of the Senegal players even headed back to the dressing room, with veteran forward Sadio Mane imploring his teammates to return to the playing field. 

After a delay of over 15 minutes, the Senegal players returned. The lanky Mendy had the easiest of tasks as he saved a tame "Panenka" effort from Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz. Senegal's elation then soared through the roof in the 94th minute, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive extra-time goal. 

Roughly eight weeks later, the Senegalese are now learning the true ramifications of their actions, with CAF effectively awarding the trophy to Morocco. 

The CAF Appeal Board confirmed that the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) was fined up to US$ 160,000 for some of the actions of their team and supporters in the controversial final. A US$ 50,000 fine was imposed on the FRMF for the conduct of their ball boys, a US$ 100,000 fine was imposed on the Moroccans for interference in the VAR review area, while a US$ 10,000 fine was imposed for a laser incident during the match. 

King: We were naive against Bolivia

Trinidad and Tobago men's football team interim coach Derek King admitted that his team was naive in their friendly clash with Bolivia on March 15, and felt three mistakes eventually cost them the game in a 3-0 loss at the Ramon Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium, Santa Cruz de la Sierra. 

TT were under the pump early in the friendly, which fell outside the Fifa international match window, with goalkeeper Jabari Brice making at least three saves before the deadlock was eventually broken in the 23rd minute with a header from Bolivia captain Luis Haquin. With the visitors facing incessant pressure in the first half, the busy Juan Godoy made it 2-0 in the 38th minute, before Fernando Nava scored the home team's third in the 51st minute. 

A bit too late: Trinidad and Tobago goalkeeper Jabari Brice retrieves the ball in vain after Bolivia netted the opening goal in their March 15 friendly. Photos courtesy TTFA

TT set up defensively in what resembled a 5-3-2 shape, with the centre back trio of Darnell Hospedales, Alvin Jones, and Jesse Williams having to deal with numerous crosses in the area. In midfield, the pair of Shervohnez Hamilton and captain Andre Rampersad found the going tough and struggled to connect with playmaker Joevin Jones to give TT any semblance of control. 

When his team did have the ball, King felt they weren't brave enough. 

"In the first half, we were a bit naive. In the sense that we didn't put down the football and play," King said, at the post-match presser.

"I told the guys that Bolivia at home will always be difficult, a team that's preparing to play their playoff game (to try and qualify for the World Cup). For the first 20 minutes, I told them we had to stay in the game." 

King said the first goal was a soft one to concede, but he appeared to cut his team some slack due to the inexperience of some of the players at this level. 

Trinidad and Tobago's Alvin Jones (L) and Shervohnez Hamilton try to contain Bolivia forward Juan Godoy. 

"All in all, I think the guys did well. It's a very young team we brought here. You want to win all the games, but it's a really young team. Five players made their debuts today as well. We saw some positives in the game coming from the younger players," he said. 

The five players to debut for the visitors on the day were: Brice; Elijah Cordner; Jaheim Faustin; Addae Paponette, and 18-year-old defender Adam "Toka" Pierre, who had a relatively decent showing at centre back after coming on late in the first half. Brice and Paponette both started. Paponette was a non-factor in a striking role as TT rarely got into promising positions in the final third, with Brice arguably being one of the reasons why the score wasn't more lopsided. 

The newcomers aside, it's not to say the TT starting XI was lacking experience. Brothers Alvin and Joevin Jones have over 160 caps between them, while the trio of Ross Russell Jr, Ryan Telfer, and Rampersad all have north of 20 caps for the national team. 

Trinidad and Tobago men's team interim coach Derek King gives instructions to debutant Addae Paponette (L) during the friendly against Bolivia. 

After being appointed as the team's interim coach on March 6, King said he had just three days to prepare the team for the friendly. And though the scoreline may not reflect such, he maintained that the outing wasn't an exercise in futility. 

"I think we came up against a well-prepared team. Players playing with professional clubs, especially in the Bolivian league," the interim coach said. "What you saw there were guys playing at the international level for the first time. This was a good game for us to expose the younger players and show them the physical demands of international football. 

"They did well. We have plenty to work on. As I told them, when you make a mistake, it will cost you. We made three mistakes, and they cost us the game as well." 

It remains to be seen how many players will be retained for TT's upcoming games in the Fifa Series against Venezuela and Gabon on March 27 and 30, respectively. 

Rampersad to captain Trinidad and Tobago vs Bolivia; King urges discipline

Halifax Wanderers central midfielder Andre Rampersad will captain Trinidad and Tobago's men's national football team when they play Bolivia in a friendly at the Ramon Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium in Santa Cruz de la Sierra on March 15. The TT Football Association (TTFA) has advised that the game will now kick off at 4 pm (TT time) and not the previously scheduled 6.30 pm kickoff. 

With as many as eight players receiving their first-time call-ups to the TT team, and interim coach Derek King including three players from the under-20 team, the 31-year-old Rampersad is expected to be a driving force on the field, having become a regular in the setup over the last few years. Ramersad has made 30 appearances for TT since debuting in a Concacaf Nations League match in March 2023. Since then, he has been a mainstay in the midfield alongside Daniel Phillips. 

"Andre has been one of the most consistent players for TT. I think with his experience playing abroad, he brings that leadership quality to the younger players," King said of Rampersad, whom he coached in his days at FC Santa Rosa in the then-TT Super League. 

TT midfielder Andre Rampersad (second from left) during a training session in Bolivia. Rampersad will captain the team for the March 15 friendly versus the Bolivians. Photos courtesy TTFA

While King sees the game as an opportunity for many of the younger players to wet their feet at the international level outside an official Fifa window, the contest comes at a critical time for Bolivia as they continue the fine-tuning ahead of their Fifa intercontinental playoff with Suriname on March 26. Should Bolivia get past Suriname and navigate the subsequent playoff with Iraq, they will take their place at this year's World Cup. 

"It's important to see if these younger players could match up and take instructions, which is the key. It's just to get them going and have them following the instructions from the coaches," King told TTFA Media. 

On TT's last visit to Bolivia in January 2022, the team, which was then coached by Angus Eve, suffered a 5-0 loss. Defender Alvin Jones and Ramersad's Halifax teammate Ryan Telfer are two survivors from that squad. 

Regardless of what the circumstances may be, King wants his players to maintain their focus and seize the moments when they come their way. 

At the helm: TT men's football team interim coach Derek King

"Playing against a Bolivia team at home is always a challenge. It's a very strong and experienced team as well...I think with this young squad, we have the potential. It's to give the youths that experience. As I told them, we have to be disciplined in this game. We have to go out there and really keep the discipline, keep the shape, and be brave." 

He said it's important for his team to avoid mistakes, as they can prove detrimental at the international level. 

"Ball speed and discipline are very important. Once we get our chances as well, we can create chances and score goals as well."  

After the Bolivia match, TT are expected to have a strengthened team for the Fifa Series, which falls in the Fifa international window. The matches in the Fifa Series will be played against Venezuela and Gabon on March 27 and 30, respectively. 

Caprietta, 'Toka' hunt playing time in Bolivia

National under-20 defenders Jaydon Caprietta, 17, and Adam "Toka" Pierre, 18, are both eager to get their feet wet at the senior international level as the Trinidad and Tobago men's football team prepare for their friendly away to Bolivia on March 15. The game will be played at the Ramon Tahuichi Aguilera Stadium, Santa Cruz, with kickoff at 6.30 pm (TT time). 

TT men's under-20 defender Adam "Toka" Pierre goes through his paces during a training session with the senior team earlier this week. Photos courtesy TTFA Media

Caprietta, an adventurous left back, was one of the bright sparks in the TT under-20 team's Concacaf qualifying campaign in Costa Rica from February 24-March 4, even scoring in TT's thumping 5-1 win over Barbados. Meanwhile, Pierre was relatively solid at the back for TT, often using his recovery speed and sheer grit to out fires which threatened to break down the TT defence. Despite good individual showings from both players, TT finished third in group E behind Costa Rica and Bermuda and did not advance to the Concacaf Under-20 Championships. 

Both players are taking the lessons from their time in Alajuela, Costa Rica, and are hoping to get a chance to show their mettle in Bolivia. 

"In Bolivia, my mindset is one of focus. I don't know when I will be called upon, but I will always be ready. I expect the game to be hard. Hopefully, I can pick up a couple of minutes. But if I don't, I'd still be grateful for this opportunity," Caprietta told TT Football Association (TTFA) Media, in a video which was shared on March 13. 

TT men's under-20 left back Jaydon Caprietta reacts after scoring against Barbados in a Concacaf Under-20 qualifier last month. 

The Naparima College student, who patterns his game after Portugal and PSG left back Nuno Mendes, says representing his country at the highest level has always been a dream. 

"Since I was younger, I always wanted to be a part of this, so seeing former coach Dwight Yorke and the team almost qualifying for the World Cup, it really excited me, and I want to be part of this." 

And while he said the opportunity to play at the national senior level has come a bit sooner than he expected, Caprietta is locked in and loaded for this new chapter of his career. 

Seemingly a man of few words, Pierre does most of his talking on the football field with his no-nonsense and physical presence at the back. Already with some TT Premier Football League appearances under his belt for a few clubs, Pierre is ready for this next challenge. 

"I feel good being part of this generation for the 2030 World Cup," Pierre said. "It's good being here, and I'm looking to get some minutes. I know it's going to be difficult because there are experienced players. So I'm just going and do my part.

"When I leave Boiliva, I'll continue to develop as a young player. I'm hoping to pick up everything possible while in this camp," Pierre said. "I have some familiar players around me and some new faces. Hopefully, they can pass on the experience to me." 

Caprietta and Pierre are among eight players who have received first-time call-ups. The others are: Jaheim Faustin; Kaieem Lewis; Addae Paponette; goalie Teshorne Ragoo, and the young European-based pair of Elijah Cordner and James Lester. San Juan Jabloteh attacking midfielders Derrel Garcia and Lindell Sween are among the other bright, young prospects in the camp.

Interim coach Derek King has boasted of a good mix of youth and experience in the squad, with players such as Alvin Jones, Joevin Jones, Ross Russell Jr and the Halifax Wanderers pair of Andre Rampersad and Ryand Telfer expected to add much-needed experience to the setup.  

After playing Bolivia, TT will play Venezuela and Gabon in the Fifa Series on March 27 and 30, respectively. 

TT team to face Bolivia: 

Goalkeepers: Jabari Brice, Teshorne Ragoo, Jabari St Hillaire. 

Defenders: Alvin Jones, Jaydon Caprietta, Isaiah Garcia, Shervohnez Hamilton, Darnell Hospedales, James Lester, Adam Pierre, Ross Russell Jr, Jesse Williams. 

Midfielders: Elijah Cordner, Daniel David, Jaheim Faustin, Derrel Garcia, Joevin Jones, Andre Rampersad, Lindell Sween. 

Forwards: Kaieem Lewis, Addae Paponette, Kathon St Hillaire, Ryan Telfer. 

TTPFL golden boot race heats up

This weekend is expected to be an intriguing one in the 2025/26 TT Premier Football League (TTPFL) season, as the top four teams will be squaring off against each other. 

Holders and current leaders, Defence Force (46 points), will take on third-placed rivals Miscellaneous Police FC (36 points) from 4 pm at the Larry Gomes Stadium, Malabar, on March 15. Meanwhile, the second-placed Club Sando (42 points) are expected to have their hands full when they take on the fourth-placed Prisons FC (35 points) from 8 pm at the Ato Boldon Stadium, Couva, tomorrow (March 14). 

Tarik Lee (number 9) is the man to watch in the Club Sando attack. Photo courtesy Club Sando

While the top four teams and the fifth-placed AC Port of Spain (34 points) are still jostling for Concacaf spots, another race is brewing as the TTPFL's golden boot charge is well and truly on. The league's leading goals scorer, Joevin Jones (11 goals), is away to Bolivia on international duty with the Trinidad and Tobago men's national team. Jones' absence could leave the door open for a new player to soar to the top of the scoring charts, as the trio of Teejay Cadiz, Dominic Douglas, and Tarik Lee are all tied on ten goals. 

From 6 pm today at the Phase 2 La Horquetta recreation grounds, Douglas' Eagles team will take on AC PoS. Meanwhile, when Lee's Club Sando take on Prisons tomorrow, the nippy striker will be hoping to help his team reverse their 1-0 loss to Dexter Cyrus' Prisons outfit earlier this season. 

A look at the TT Premier Football League's top scorers heading into match 19

And in an early 2 pm kickoff in Malabar on March 15, Cadiz will be looking to inspire the ninth-placed 1976 FC Phoenix team when they take on the inconsistent Central FC Reboot, who find themselves in seventh place with 24 points. Phoenix have conceded the joint-highest number of goals this season (48), while Central will be without some key players such as Daniel David, Alvin Jones, Ross Russell Jr, and goalie Jabari Brice. All four have been called up by interim coach Derek King for TT's friendly with Bolivia on March 15. With that being said, expect goals to flow in the first game of the Malabar double-header this weekend. 

Do you have any picks for the golden boot winner? 

This is how the TTPFL top five is shaping up with just four games to go.