Chérif Ndiaye insists Senegal are true AFCON champions

Senegal forward Chérif Ndiaye says the national team still consider themselves Africa Cup of Nations champions despite CAF overturning their on-field victory in the 2025 final.

The striker has spoken out following the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeals Board’s decision to reverse the result of the final, a ruling that has continued to generate debate within the Senegalese camp.

While Senegal secured a 1-0 win on the pitch in Morocco, the governing body later awarded the match to Morocco by default, citing Article 82.

The decision came two months after the final had been played, altering the official outcome of a match that had initially seen Senegal celebrate victory.

The winning goal had come from a penalty converted in the 97th minute, sealing what appeared to be a decisive moment in the tournament.

However, the administrative ruling changed the result to a 3-0 victory for Morocco, prompting the Senegalese Football Federation to challenge the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

The case remains part of ongoing proceedings, with the federation seeking a review of the verdict.

In an interview with Galsen Foot, Ndiaye addressed the situation directly, expressing both frustration and determination.

“It’s a difficult decision to swallow because we gave everything on the pitch and we won,” Ndiaye said.

The forward also underlined his belief in the steps being taken by Senegal’s football authorities.

“Officially or not, we are African champions on the field, and I’m sure our authorities will handle this situation.”

His comments reflect a broader sentiment within the squad, where players have continued to refer to their performance in the final as the defining outcome, despite the official ruling.

The contrast between the result on the pitch and the administrative decision has created a complex situation for the team.

While the legal challenge continues, the focus within the squad has begun to shift towards future competitions.

The 2026 World Cup is approaching, with the tournament set to take place in North America across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

For Ndiaye, the experience of the Africa Cup of Nations has contributed to strengthening the group.

He suggested that the events surrounding the final have reinforced unity within the team as they prepare for the next challenge.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, the striker emphasised the team’s mindset going into the tournament.

“We respect the great nations, but we fear no one.”

Those remarks highlight Senegal’s approach as they prepare to face international opposition on a global stage.

The team’s experience in recent competitions is expected to play a role in shaping their preparations.

Ndiaye, who has earned 15 caps and scored four goals for the national team, is among the players expected to contribute both on and off the pitch.

At 30, he represents one of the more experienced members of the squad.

At club level, he is currently under contract with Turkish side Samsunspor until 2029.

His career has included spells in Belgium, China and Serbia, providing him with experience across different leagues and footballing environments.

That background, he says, informs his current approach to the game.

The striker has indicated a desire to take on greater responsibility, both within his club and the national team, particularly in supporting younger players.

His role within the squad reflects a balance between performance and leadership, as Senegal look to build on their recent campaigns.

The Africa Cup of Nations episode, while unresolved, has become part of that narrative.

The dispute with CAF remains a significant aspect of the team’s recent history.

The decision to award the final to Morocco by default has not altered the players’ perception of their performance, but it has shaped the context in which they now operate.

Senegal’s appeal to CAS represents the formal route through which the federation is seeking a resolution.

While the outcome of that process is yet to be determined, it continues to be followed closely.

In the meantime, preparations for the World Cup are underway.

With less than six weeks before the tournament begins, the team’s attention is increasingly directed towards readiness and performance.

Ndiaye’s comments suggest that the squad is attempting to draw motivation from recent events rather than dwell on the outcome.

The emphasis on unity and determination reflects an effort to channel experience into future objectives.

As the situation stands, the official record of the Africa Cup of Nations final differs from the result on the pitch.

For the players, however, the memory of the match remains unchanged.

The coming weeks will see Senegal shift fully into World Cup preparation mode, with the aim of translating their experience into results on the international stage.

The unresolved nature of the CAF ruling remains in the background, but the team’s focus is moving forward.