Idrissa Gana Gueye featured prominently for Senegal in the 2025 AFCON
Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has dismissed rumours that some of his teammates suffered from food poisoning ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Morocco.
Speculation circulated on social media that Moroccan officials had allegedly poisoned members of the Teranga Lions to weaken the team before the high-stakes final.
Reports claimed that some Senegalese players experienced stomach upsets and other unusual illnesses a day before the game.
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However, the Everton midfielder rejected the rumours, labelling them as false, and insisted that nothing of the sort occurred. He urged the public to disregard such claims.
Gana Gueye highlighted that the team’s chefs were competent and strictly followed dietary protocols to ensure the players’ health was never compromised.
“The Senegal team’s diet was strictly controlled. We were not poisoned before the final, and we always travel with our own chef,” he told Senegal-based media outlet FDS TV in an interview.
Senegal were crowned Africa Cup of Nations champions for the second time in their history on Sunday, January 18, 2026, after defeating host nation Morocco 1-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Following the victory, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hosted the players, technical team, and officials at the Presidential Palace, expressing gratitude for their achievement and the joy they brought to the nation.
The players and head coach, Pape Thiaw, were formally awarded state honours, being elevated to the rank of Commander within the National Order of the Lion.
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Meanwhile, watch as GAF honor outstanding sports personalities
