The Senegal national team remains at the heart of fierce debate following the CAN 2025 final against Morocco, as midfielder Pape Gueye has made it clear he will not hand over his championship medal. Despite the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) appeal committee stripping Senegal of its victory, Gueye maintains the team earned the title on the pitch.
Senegal’s victory still stands, says Gueye
Speaking exclusively to L’Équipe, Gueye emphasized that the Senegalese Lions were the rightful champions after their hard-fought 1-0 extra-time win over Morocco on January 18. The decision to overturn the result in March sparked widespread controversy, but Gueye remains steadfast: “Of course we are African champions—because we won on the field.”
He pointed to the match’s pivotal moments—the disallowed Senegalese goal, the controversial penalty awarded to Morocco, and the eventual Panenka miss by Brahim Díaz—as evidence that the original outcome should not have been overturned. “The world saw what happened. The match resumed, and we scored the winning goal.” Gueye also stressed that the team’s medals remain in Dakar, reinforcing their belief in the legitimacy of their title.
Morocco’s penalty and Senegal’s appeal to the CAS
The controversy stems from late-game refereeing decisions. A Senegal goal was initially disallowed for an alleged offside, followed by a penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review. The Moroccan players refused to halt the match, insisting on taking the penalty despite Senegal’s protest. Morocco ultimately failed to convert, but the score remained tied until Senegal’s decisive goal in extra time.
In response to the CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its title, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While the tribunal has not set a timeline for its ruling, the outcome will be final, leaving both nations without further recourse.
Competing narratives and national pride
While Idrissa Gueye joked about surrendering his medal to ease tensions, Pape Gueye dismissed the idea outright. “I told him there’s no way I’m giving mine up. The whole world knows Senegal won that cup.” His stance reflects a broader sentiment among supporters and players who view the appeal process as a miscarriage of justice.
The CAF has faced scrutiny over its handling of the case, with Senegal’s president reaffirming the federation’s commitment to transparency. Meanwhile, the CAS deliberations continue, leaving the football world in suspense over the final verdict on a match that has divided opinions across Africa.
