Boulaye Dia insists Senegal still feel like AFCON champions despite Morocco ruling

Rennes striker Boulaye Dia has insisted that Senegal still consider themselves champions of Africa despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturning the result of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations final and awarding the title to Morocco.

Speaking in an interview with Flashscore, the Senegal international reflected on the controversial outcome, maintaining that the experience of winning the final on the pitch remains significant to him and his teammates.

Asked whether Senegal still felt like champions after Morocco were declared winners following an appeal, Dia replied: “Yes, certainly.”

The forward described the final as a memorable encounter between two of Africa’s strongest national teams, recalling how Senegal secured victory after extra time before celebrating with the trophy.

“It was a wonderful final, a really good match between two of the best African teams at the moment. It was decided in extra time. We lifted the trophy and went home to celebrate. It was an important moment.”

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in the January final in Rabat. However, CAF’s Appeal Board subsequently ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match following the team’s walk-off in protest at a late penalty decision, recording a 3-0 victory for Morocco. Senegal appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which is expected to deliver its decision by the end of November 2026.

Dia also spoke about his enduring connection to Senegal, explaining that he regularly returns to the country for international duty and holidays.

“Yes, of course. I go there often now with the national team, but I also regularly visit on holiday. It’s my country of origin, so the connection is always there.”