Iliman Ndiaye says Senegal national football team still consider themselves the true champions of Africa despite the ongoing legal dispute surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
Senegal defeated Morocco national football team 1-0 after extra time in the Afcon final in January, but the result later became the centre of controversy following protests and disciplinary action.
The Confederation of African Football appeals board ruled in March that Senegal had breached tournament regulations after several players walked off the pitch during stoppage time without referee permission.
As a result, the title was awarded to Morocco, though Senegal’s football federation has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Speaking to BBC World Service, Ndiaye insisted the ruling would not affect Senegal’s focus ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“Obviously, in our eyes and many other people’s eyes, we are the champions of Africa,” Ndiaye said.
“Whatever their decisions will be, it doesn’t disturb us.”
Afcon Final Ended In Major Controversy
The chaos began late in the Afcon final when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed a Senegal goal before awarding Morocco a penalty after a VAR review.
Several Senegal players and coaching staff walked off the pitch in protest, causing a delay of around 17 minutes before play eventually resumed.
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty after goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made the save.
Pape Gueye later scored the winning goal in extra time to secure the trophy for Senegal.
Ndiaye admitted emotions had taken over during the dramatic scenes.
“It was just a bit of unfairness that happened for us,” he said.
Senegal Still Focused On World Cup Challenge
Despite the legal dispute, Senegal remain fully focused on the upcoming World Cup campaign.
The African side will face France national football team, Norway national football team and Iraq national football team in Group I of the tournament.
Ndiaye believes the controversy surrounding the Afcon title will not distract the players from chasing success on the global stage.
He also said African football should remain united and work together to improve the image of the game internationally.
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