The controversy dates back to the dramatic AFCON final in January, where Senegal defeated Morocco national football team 1-0 after extra time in a tense and controversial encounter.
During the match, Senegal players ; Ndiaye briefly walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a late penalty in stoppage time, protesting the decision before play resumed following a 17-minute delay.
Morocco forward Brahim Díaz then saw his Panenka-style penalty saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy before Pape Gueye eventually scored the winning goal for Senegal in extra time.
However, in March, a Confederation of African Football appeals board ruled that Morocco should be awarded the title, citing a breach of competition regulations after Senegal players temporarily left the field without referee permission.
Senegal’s football federation has since escalated the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, where a final ruling is still pending.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the title, Ndiaye insists Senegal’s mindset remains unchanged.
“Obviously, in our eyes and many other people’s eyes, we are the champions of Africa,” Ndiaye told BBC World Service programme Newsday.
“Whatever their decisions will be, it doesn’t disturb us.”
The forward also stressed that Senegal remain fully focused on the upcoming FIFA World Cup and will not allow the legal dispute to distract the squad.
“The same focus and hunger and determination that we had going into the Afcon, we’re going to do the same going into the World Cup,” he said.
“It’s another trophy on the line and nothing’s going to distract us.”
Senegal are set to compete in Group I at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will face France national football team, Norway national football team and Iraq national football team in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
