AFCON finals 2026: Senegal rightful champions, but ready to return medals to ease tensions, says Gueye

Midfielder Idrissa Gueye said his Senegalese side deserved to become Africa Cup of Nations champions but was willing to “give the medals back” to Morocco if it eases tension between the two countries.

Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time in the January final in Rabat, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) punished them last week for the 15-minute walk-off during the match, overturning the result for a 3-0 victory and awarding the title to hosts Morocco.

“I am personally committed to collecting the medals and perhaps returning them to Morocco if that can reduce tensions between the two countries,” Gueye said. Channel+ on Saturday after his Everton side’s 3-0 win over Chelsea in the Premier League.

«It’s just ridiculous… a football match is won on the pitch, that’s what we did in Morocco. We did what we had to do on the pitch; we won that match. We deserve to be African champions. As far as we are concerned, we are the African champions. Titles are won on the pitch, not in offices.»

However, Gueye, who captained Senegal in place of the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly in the AFCON final, took issue with his federation’s decision to appeal CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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“If it were up to me, I would have told the federation not to appeal,” he said.

The continent’s showpiece football final on January 18 descended into chaos as Senegal players walked out in protest after the hosts were awarded a controversial penalty late in second-half stoppage time.

Play resumed after 15 minutes of confusion and tension, with Senegal supporters throwing objects and trying to force their way onto the pitch.

Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed his penalty before Senegal won in extra time with a goal from Pape Gueye.

Published on March 22, 2026