Senegal’s men national football team coach, Pape Thiaw has insisted that Senegal remain the rightful African champions despite being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title.
Speaking in Paris ahead of a friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France, Thiaw dismissed the decision that awarded the title to Morocco.
“I am focused on my job. It is important to not be distracted. Everyone knows we are the champions of Africa,” he said. “We are going to keep working hard to try to win more trophies. It is clear in our minds that trophies are won on the pitch.”
Senegal had originally beaten Morocco 1-0 in the final in Rabat, with a goal from Pape Gueye in extra time. However, the match was overshadowed by controversy after Senegal players briefly walked off in protest over a penalty decision.
Following an appeal by Morocco, the Confederation of African Football ruled that Senegal had violated tournament regulations, overturning the result to a 3-0 defeat and awarding Morocco the title. Senegal have since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Team captain Idrissa Gana Gueye defended the team’s performance. “We deserved to be champions of Africa on the pitch and we will try to do the same thing off it,” he said. “We didn’t steal those results. A whole country put in the work, a nation which gives everything on the field and off it.”
Gueye also acknowledged the emotional weight of the victory, noting Senegal’s strong record in recent tournaments. “Nothing can replace the emotions that we have experienced,” he added. The friendly against Peru forms part of Senegal’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, where they are set to face France, Norway and a play-off winner in the group stage.
