The Senegalese football team remains steadfast in its belief that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title belongs to them, as expressed by midfielder Pape Gueye in a recent interview. Despite the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of its victory following the final against Morocco, Gueye maintains that the outcome on the pitch cannot be disputed.
a victory etched in history
Pape Gueye, who scored the decisive goal in the 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco on January 18, 2025, firmly rejects the idea of surrendering his championship medal. The controversial match saw Senegal initially denied a legitimate goal before Morocco was awarded a penalty, which they failed to convert. Gueye emphasized that the world witnessed their triumph and that the medals are already in their possession.
“Absolutely, because we are the champions of Africa, plain and simple,” Gueye stated. “That final, we won it on the field. The whole world saw it. There were incidents, the game was interrupted, but it resumed. When the penalty was awarded, no Moroccan player wanted to stop—they all wanted to take it. So why should the result be overturned in the end? And besides, the medals are already ours.”
controversy and appeal
The CAF Appeals Committee later nullified Senegal’s victory, citing procedural irregularities during the final. However, Senegal’s Football Federation quickly lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), leaving the fate of the trophy uncertain. Gueye dismissed suggestions from teammates like Idrissa Gueye, who jokingly offered to return their medals to ease tensions, as mere sarcasm.
“No, that was ironic,” Pape Gueye clarified. “I told him I wasn’t about to give up my medal! The entire world knows the cup was won by Senegal.”
In late March, Senegal displayed their trophy during a friendly match at the Stade de France, reaffirming their claim to the title. The CAS has not yet set a timeline for its decision, leaving both nations in limbo as the football world watches closely.
the path forward
The CAS ruling will mark the definitive end to this chapter, with no further avenues for appeal. Until then, Senegal continues to celebrate what they consider a hard-earned victory, while Morocco awaits the final verdict with equal anticipation. The football community remains divided, but for Pape Gueye and his teammates, their conviction is unwavering.
