Idrissa Gueye reacts to CAF AFCON verdict – ‘No one can take it away’

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye has reacted to the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take away 2025 AFCON title from the West Africans and give it to Morocco.

The Lions of Teranga defeated Morocco 1-0 in January to win the tournament, but it was a hugely controversial win against the tournament hosts. CAF decided to uphold the appeal filed by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) following the sanctions imposed by the governing body after the final on January 18.

 

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Consequently, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) was found to be in breach of regulations due to its team’s conduct during the final.

The sanction was immediate and drastic: Senegal was declared the loser by forfeit, and the match was officially awarded to Morocco with a score of 3-0, thus granting them the continental title.

‘We know what we went through in Rabat’

In a statement on social media, Gueye said: “Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is fleeting. What really matters is that every supporter can return home and be reunited with their family.

“The Senegalese people have shown their true colours: dignity in victory, and dignity in hardship. That is what Teranga is all about. We know what we went through that night in Rabat.

“And no one can take that away from us, inshallah.”

Senegal confirm move to CAS

Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) have already denounced this decision as “unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable,” believing it discredits African football.

“To defend the rights and interests of Senegalese football, the federation announces it will appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, with an emergency procedure to be initiated as soon as possible,” read part of the statement.

“The Federation reaffirms its commitment to the values of integrity and sporting justice and will keep the public informed of the follow-up to this matter.”

The disciplinary proceedings didn’t end with the final. The case of Moroccan midfielder Ismaël Saibari was also reviewed on appeal. Found guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct in violation of articles 82 and 83(1) of the disciplinary code, the player nevertheless saw his sanction reduced.

Initially heavily penalised, Saibari ultimately received a two-match suspension in CAF competitions, one of which was suspended. The $100,000 fine imposed on him, however, was overturned.