Senegal’s 2025 AFCON triumph has taken a dramatic and symbolic twist, with head coach Pape Thiaw drawing global attention after taking the Africa Cup of Nations trophy into a zoo’s lion enclosure, where he was seen seated calmly as a white lion played beside it.
The now-viral footage has sparked widespread reactions online, with many describing the act as both daring and symbolic.
The move, jokingly framed as placing the trophy in a “lions’ den” for maximum security, reflects Senegal’s “Teranga Lions” identity while also hinting at deeper frustration.
The unusual scene comes amid an escalating dispute with the Confederation of African Football over the controversial 2025 AFCON final. Senegal had originally secured a 1-0 victory, but the result was later overturned, with the title awarded to Morocco national football team.
Before the zoo incident, the trophy was reportedly kept under tight security at a military facility, underscoring the seriousness of the standoff.
The relocation to the zoo is being interpreted by some as a symbolic protest against CAF’s decision.
Senegal has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn the ruling.
The final decision is expected to determine whether Morocco retains the title or Senegal, represented by the Senegal national football team, will be reinstated as champions.
Meanwhile, the video continues to generate buzz across social media, blending humour with controversy as the high-stakes dispute over African football’s biggest prize drags on.
