By Our Correspondent
National News – Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, has insisted that his team remain the true champions of Africa despite the Confederation of African Football’s decision to strip them of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
Thiaw made the remarks on Friday in Paris while addressing journalists ahead of Senegal’s international friendly against Peru scheduled for Saturday at the Stade de France.
The controversy stems from the January 18, 2026 AFCON final played in Rabat, Morocco, where Senegal defeated the host nation 1–0 after extra time.
The decisive goal came from midfielder Pape Gueye, sealing what appeared to be a historic victory for Senegal.
However, chaotic scenes late in normal time changed the narrative of the match and triggered disciplinary action from football authorities.
During the tense closing moments of regulation time, Senegalese players briefly walked off the pitch to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco after Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled.
The match was halted for nearly 20 minutes as officials attempted to restore order.
Supporters also attempted to invade the pitch, intensifying the disruption before Senegal eventually returned to continue the match.
Morocco’s penalty attempt was saved, and Senegal went on to secure victory in extra time. But last week, the Confederation of African Football ruled that Senegal had violated tournament regulations by leaving the field during the protest.
As a result, CAF overturned the result, awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory by forfeiture, and declared them the new AFCON champions.
Responding to the ruling, Thiaw maintained that football titles should be decided on the field rather than through administrative decisions.
He stressed that his team remains focused on upcoming competitions and preparations for the FIFA World Cup in the United States, where Senegal will face France, Norway, and the winner of a playoff between Bolivia and Iraq in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s football federation has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland.
Team captain Idrissa Gana Gueye said the squad believes justice will prevail, adding that the players are determined to defend the honor of their nation both on and off the pitch.
