News Focus
- Senegal striker Iliman Ndiaye maintains the Teranga Lions are the rightful 2025 AFCON winners
- The Court of Arbitration for Sport is yet to deliver a verdict on Senegal’s appeal against the trophy confiscation
- CAF stripped Senegal of the title in March, awarding it to Morocco after the final’s controversial walk-off
- Ndiaye says the squad will stay fully focused on the upcoming 2026 World Cup in North America
- Senegal will face France, Norway and Iraq in Group I of the tournament
Senegal forward Iliman Ndiaye has declared that his team are the true champions of Africa. He spoke out as the country waits for the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to decide the fate of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
The legal battle started after Senegal beat hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final in January. The match went to extra time after a dramatic finish to normal play. Several Senegal players left the pitch in protest when the referee awarded Morocco a penalty during added time. The team stayed away for around 17 minutes before returning to finish the game.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then saved a soft chip penalty from Brahim Diaz. Pape Gueye scored the winning goal in extra time to give Senegal the cup. However, football officials later took action against the West African side.
On 17 March, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) appeals panel took the title away from Senegal. They ruled that the players broke tournament rules by walking off without the referee’s permission. The board gave the trophy to Morocco instead. Senegal’s football federation has now asked CAS to review this decision. A verdict is still pending.
Ndiaye, who plays for Everton, told the BBC World Service that the squad feels no different. “In our eyes, and in the eyes of many people, we are the champions of Africa,” he said. “Whatever they decide, it will not disturb us. We have the same hunger and focus for the World Cup.”
The 2026 World Cup takes place in Canada, Mexico and the USA from 11 June to 19 July. Senegal are in Group I alongside France, Norway and Iraq.
The forward explained what caused the walk-off in the final in Rabat. He said emotions were high after two bad decisions. First, the referee disallowed a goal by Ismaila Sarr for a foul on Achraf Hakimi. Then, after checking a monitor, the official gave Morocco a penalty for a pull by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
Ndiaye was on the bench at the time. He said veteran star Sadio Mane stayed on the pitch and ran to the changing room to bring the team back. “The manager and the players who stayed outside told everyone to return and finish the match,” Ndiaye explained.
Despite defending his team’s actions, Ndiaye admitted the whole affair looks bad for the sport. “It is not a good look for African football,” he said. “We need to stay together and lift up the game in Africa. I hope they put this right.” Senegal even showed the trophy to fans before a friendly against Peru in late March, days after the Caf ruling.