Senegalese star Iliman Ndiaye insists AFCON dispute will not distract Lions ahead of World Cup

Senegalese forward Iliman Ndiaye has insisted that the ongoing dispute surrounding the 2025 AFCON title will not derail the national team’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, maintaining that the Lions still regard themselves as African champions despite CAF’s ruling.

The 26-year-old Everton attacker reflected on the controversial final against Morocco played in Rabat in January, a match that has continued to spark debate across African football.

During the closing stages of the encounter, several Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest over a refereeing decision before later returning to complete the match.

CAF’s appeals committee later ruled against Senegal, awarding the title to Morocco on March 17 after concluding that the Senegalese team had breached tournament regulations by leaving the field without the approval of referee Jean-Jacques Ndala.

Senegal’s Football Federation subsequently appealed the verdict to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, with a final decision still pending.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding the case, Ndiaye has made it clear that the situation has not changed the mentality within the squad.

In comments relayed by the BBC, the Senegal international stated that both he and many others still believe Senegal won the match on the pitch and therefore remain the rightful African champions.

He also stressed that whatever decision is eventually reached away from the field will not alter the team’s determination moving forward.

According to Ndiaye, Senegal will continue preparing with the same ambition, focus and commitment as they build toward the World Cup finals next year.

The striker nevertheless admitted that the aftermath of the final has not reflected positively on African football.

The dispute remained a major talking point even after Senegal celebrated the trophy before a friendly against Peru at the Stade de France on March 28, which took place eleven days after CAF’s ruling in favour of Morocco.

Attention is now gradually turning toward the 2026 World Cup, where Senegal face a difficult challenge after being drawn alongside France, Norway and Iraq in the group stage.

The tournament is scheduled to be hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with the Lions aiming to put the controversy behind them and focus on their campaign on the global stage.