Pape Gueye stands firm: “The entire world knows Senegal won the Africa Cup”

Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye remains unyielding in his stance regarding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) controversy. Despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) stripping Senegal of their title, Gueye continues to assert that his team emerged victorious on the field. In a recent interview with L’Équipe, he declared his refusal to surrender his championship medal to Morocco, emphasizing the global consensus on Senegal’s triumph.

On January 18, 2025, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time in the final, with Gueye scoring the decisive goal. However, CAF’s appeals jury later overturned the result following a series of controversial decisions during the match, including a disallowed Senegalese goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco, which led to the Lions of Teranga temporarily leaving the pitch. Morocco ultimately failed to convert the penalty in a high-pressure moment.

“Of course we are African champions—it’s that simple,” Gueye stated. “We won that final on the pitch, and the entire world saw it. There were incidents, interruptions, but the game resumed. When the penalty was awarded, no Moroccan player wanted to stop the match—they all wanted to take it. So why dispute the outcome in the end? And our medals are already with us.”

Controversial decisions and Senegal’s appeal to CAS

The match was marred by contentious refereeing moments. A Senegalese goal was incorrectly ruled out, followed by a penalty awarded to Morocco despite questionable circumstances. The Senegalese players briefly protested by leaving the field before returning to complete the match. Gueye’s decisive goal in extra time sealed the victory, but the CAF later annulled the result, sparking widespread debate.

In response, Senegalese teammate Idrissa Gueye jokingly suggested returning his medal to ease tensions. Pape Gueye swiftly dismissed the idea, reaffirming his conviction: “No, no—that was sarcasm. I told him I’m not giving up my medal! The entire world knows Senegal won the Cup.”

Following the CAF’s decision in March, Senegal presented their trophy in a friendly match at the Stade de France. The Senegalese Football Federation subsequently appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), though no timeline has been provided for the ruling. Once the CAS delivers its verdict, the dispute will reach its conclusion, with no further avenues for appeal.

Senegal’s legal battle and CAF’s response

The ongoing legal proceedings have drawn significant attention, with CAF officials visiting Dakar to address the fallout. The president of CAF has pledged reforms to address systemic issues within African football, though Senegal has vehemently denied accusations of corruption linked to the controversy.

As the situation unfolds, Pape Gueye’s unwavering stance reflects the broader sentiment among Senegalese players and supporters, who continue to view the team as the legitimate champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.