Senegal coach Pape Thiaw said Friday that his team still considers itself Africa Cup of Nations champion, despite a ruling by the Confederation of African Football stripping it of the 2025 title and awarding it to Morocco.
Speaking at a news conference, Thiaw said he initially preferred not to comment on the decision, stressing that his focus remains on on-field performance. He added that his team believes it earned the title “on the pitch.”
“We know what we achieved on the field,” he said, adding that Senegal will continue working to win future trophies.
Senegal captain Idrissa Gana Gueye echoed that sentiment, saying the experience of reaching four consecutive finals reflects sustained national effort and cannot be diminished.
The dispute follows a decision by CAF’s appeals committee to award the 2025 title to Morocco after Senegal was ruled to have forfeited the final, resulting in a 3-0 victory for the Moroccan team.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has since accepted an appeal filed by the Senegalese Football Federation, with a final ruling still pending.
The controversy has extended beyond the pitch. The Moroccan Lawyers Club has threatened legal action if Senegal proceeds with plans to display the AFCON trophy during a friendly match against Peru scheduled for Saturday at Stade de France.
Club president Morad El Ajoouti said formal notices were sent to the stadium operator and an event management company, holding them responsible if the event goes ahead despite CAF’s March 17 decision.
add your comment
Terms of publication : Not to offend the writer, people, sacred things, or attack religions or the divine self, and refrain from racist incitement and insults.