Why Senegal won't get original AFCON trophyPape Thiaw's side were handed the trophy by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, but they returned it according to the CAF's rules in place. According to CAF documents, teams are often given the original trophy for presentation purposes after the name of the new champions is engraved at the base. From 2002 onward, the original trophy remains CAF property. Senegal's Sadio Mane with the AFCON trophy. Source: TwitterStrict AFCON rules that winners must followIn another document, CAF explains that the trophy must be returned to them two months before the next AFCON.

Source: Daily Nation January 19, 2026 04:36 UTC