Iliman Ndiaye has declared that Senegal remain the rightful African champions despite CAF’s decision to strip them of the 2025 AFCON title.
The controversy follows CAF’s Appeal Board ruling that Senegal forfeited the final against Morocco after a 17-minute walk-off in protest of a late penalty decision during the January 18 clash in Rabat. The ruling awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and officially declared them champions.
The Teranga Lions had initially won the final 1-0 after extra time, but the decision has since been met with strong reactions, with the country set to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Ndiaye, who scored in Everton FC’s 3-0 win over Chelsea FC, made his stance clear after the match. “We are champions of Africa,” he said, insisting Senegal still deserve the title.
He was joined by teammate Idrissa Gana Gueye after full-time, with both players raising two fingers in celebration to signal what they believe is Senegal’s status as two-time African champions.
The situation continues to stir debate across African football, with Senegal determined to challenge the ruling and defend what they believe is their rightful crown.
