Rabat, Morocco – In a defiant display of national pride, Everton midfielders Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye publicly reaffirmed Senegal’s claim to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title following a controversial decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award the championship to Morocco. The ruling, announced Tuesday, overturned Senegal’s original 1-0 victory, citing a forfeit due to the Senegalese team briefly leaving the pitch during the final match.
The dramatic events unfolded in the final minute of normal time in Rabat, when the referee awarded a penalty to Morocco after a challenge in the area. Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, protested the decision and instructed his players to walk off the pitch. Though the team eventually returned for the penalty attempt – which was saved by Edouard Mendy – CAF has now deemed this action a forfeiture, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Morocco.
Despite the CAF ruling, Ndiaye and Gueye made a clear statement of allegiance during Everton’s 3-0 Premier League win against Chelsea on Saturday. Ndiaye, who scored a goal in the match, celebrated with Gueye, and the pair held up two fingers, referencing Senegal’s two Africa Cup of Nations titles. This gesture was a visible rebuke of the CAF decision and a show of solidarity with their nation.
At the final whistle, Ndiaye was captured on camera emphatically declaring, “We are Champions of Africa!” – a sentiment that underscores Senegal’s refusal to concede the title. The Senegalese Football Federation has already announced its intention to appeal the CAF decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, calling it “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football.”
The original final, played in December 2025, saw Pape Gueye score the winning goal in extra time, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title. The match was already steeped in controversy due to the late penalty decision and the subsequent protest by Senegal. The overturning of the result has sparked outrage among Senegalese fans and players, who feel the CAF’s decision is unjust and politically motivated.
The situation highlights the complexities and potential for dispute within African football governance. CAF’s ruling has raised questions about the interpretation of rules regarding player conduct and the authority of match officials. The appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport will likely be a lengthy and closely watched process, with implications for the future of the tournament and the integrity of its decisions.
Both Ndiaye and Gueye received a hero’s welcome upon their return to Everton’s Finch Farm training ground. Fans greeted them with a banner reading “Our Kings of Africa,” demonstrating the widespread support for the players and their unwavering belief in Senegal’s championship victory.
The Senegalese players’ actions are not simply about a football title; they represent a broader sense of national pride and a refusal to accept what they perceive as an injustice. Their public displays of defiance, even in the face of an official ruling, demonstrate the deep emotional connection between the team and its supporters.
Everton fans will be hoping that Ndiaye and Gueye can carry this momentum into their upcoming fixtures. The team is currently battling to avoid relegation from the Premier League, and the positive energy from their international exploits could prove crucial in the remaining matches of the season.
The next step for Senegal is to formally lodge their appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The timeline for a decision is uncertain, but the Senegalese Football Federation is determined to fight for what they believe is rightfully theirs. The outcome of this appeal will not only determine the official winner of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but similarly set a precedent for future disputes within African football.
As the controversy continues, the focus remains on the players and their unwavering commitment to representing their nation with pride. Ndiaye and Gueye’s actions serve as a powerful reminder that football is more than just a game; it is a symbol of national identity and a source of immense passion for fans around the world.
Everton will face Leeds United in their next Premier League match. Fans will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if Ndiaye and Gueye can continue their impressive form and inspire the team to a vital victory.
