"We Are African Champions’ Despite AFCON Ruling" - Pape Thiaw

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has reaffirmed his team’s status as African champions despite the controversial decision to strip them of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title.

Speaking at a press conference in Paris ahead of Senegal’s friendly against Peru, Thiaw emphasized that “trophies are won on the pitch” and that his team’s victory should stand based on their performance.

The controversy stems from Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco in the AFCON final, courtesy of Pape Gueye’s decisive goal.

The match, held on January 18, 2026, was marred by protests as several Senegalese players walked off the field following a penalty awarded to Morocco.

This action prompted the Confederation of African Football to later overturn the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and declaring them champions.

Despite this, Thiaw insists that his squad remains focused on their upcoming World Cup campaign. Senegal will face France, Norway, and the winner of a playoff between Bolivia and Iraq in the group stage in the United States.

The friendly against Peru marks their first match since the AFCON final, offering an opportunity to prepare and unify ahead of the global tournament.

Captain Idrissa Gana Gueye also voiced his disappointment, stating that Senegal deserved the title on merit. He highlighted the nation’s consistent performance, noting two AFCON titles in the last three editions and their historic win in 2022.

Gueye expressed that the emotions and efforts of the players and fans cannot be erased and underscored the importance of their achievements being recognized.

Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, seeking to overturn CAF’s ruling.

Meanwhile, Thiaw and his squad remain committed to focusing on their performance, showing resilience in the face of administrative decisions and aiming to bring glory to their country on football’s biggest stages.