Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has insisted that his side rightly earned the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title on the pitch, but expressed willingness to hand back the medals to Morocco if it helps ease tensions between the two nations.
Iliman Ndiaye has boldly maintained that Senegal national football team remain Africa’s rightful champions, despite CAF’s decision to strip them of the 2025 AFCON title.
The forward made the statement after scoring against Chelsea FC on Saturday, using the moment to send a clear message amid the ongoing controversy.
“We are champions of Africa,” Ndiaye declared after the match, reinforcing the stance held by many within the Senegal camp.
The remarks come in response to a ruling by the Confederation of African Football Appeals Board, which overturned Senegal’s final victory over Morocco national football team. The decision cited a 17-minute walk-off protest during the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 win by forfeit.
Despite the ruling, Senegal have rejected the outcome and are set to challenge it at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Even Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi has reportedly distanced himself from the title, insisting it was not won on the pitch.
Ndiaye’s comments underline the defiance within the Senegal squad and among their supporters, as the battle over the 2025 AFCON crown now heads toward a final verdict at CAS.
Moroccan club USM Oujda have terminated the contract of Senegalese midfielder Issa Ndiaye following his controversial reaction to the stripping of Senegal’s 2025 AFCON title.
William Troost-Ekong, ex- Super Eagles captain has criticised CAF’s decision to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final involving Senegal and Morocco.
The controversy stems from CAF’s ruling to award Morocco a 3-0 victory after determining that Senegal breached competition’s Article 82 regulations, despite the Teranga Lions originally winning the final by 1-0 after extra time.
The decision has sparked widespread debate across the continent, with several figures questioning its impact on the credibility of African football.
Speaking on the issue, the former Watford and Udinese defender did not hold back in his reaction, describing the ruling as damaging to the progress of the African game.
“This progress has been undermined by the shocking decision from the CAF appeal board,” he said. “This episode is bad for the integrity and reputation of African football. We have taken two steps backwards and it is self-inflicted damage.”
He added that the tournament itself had showcased the best of African football before the controversy overshadowed it.
“Fans around the globe saw a tournament with talented players and fantastic facilities,” he noted.
The bulky defender, who currently plays for Al-Ahli SC after joining from Al-Kholood Club in January, retired from international football last year after earning 82 caps for Nigeria.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has descended into controversy after a dramatic reversal saw Morocco national football team declared champions months after Senegal national football team had originally lifted the trophy.
Former Nigeria captain William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticized Confederation of African Football over its controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title, describing the move as damaging to the credibility of African football.
The 18-year-old budding winger of Kenyan heritage has completed his transfer switch to the German top division side from their elite club rivals ahead of the summer window
Former Wayne Rooney has voiced strong criticism of the Confederation of African Football following its controversial decision to retroactively award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title to Morocco national football team. Rooney described the ruling as “crazy,” insisting that Senegal national football team were the rightful winners.
President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has firmly backed the autonomy and credibility of the organization’s disciplinary structures following mounting criticism over Senegal national football team being stripped of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.
Mohamed Salah has etched his name even deeper into football history, becoming the first African player to reach 50 goals in the UEFA Champions League.
The office of the president of the west African nation has berated the continent's football governing body following their decision to strip of their hard-fought trophy in this year's continental showpiece
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has responded to the ongoing controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting that no country will receive special treatment.
