“We won it on the pitch” – Ndiaye rejects CAF verdict

Chérif Ndiaye has delivered a defiant response to the decision by Confederation of African Football to overturn Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations final victory.

Despite securing a 1-0 win on the pitch in Morocco, Senegal were later stripped of the title, with CAF awarding the match 3-0 to Morocco national team by default.

Victory on the Pitch, Defeat on Paper

The final had appeared settled in dramatic fashion, with Senegal scoring a stoppage-time penalty in the 97th minute to clinch victory.

But two months later, the result was reversed under Article 82, triggering widespread debate and frustration within the Senegalese camp.

“We Are the Real Champions”

Speaking to Galsen Foot, Ndiaye made his stance crystal clear:

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

“Officially or not, we are African champions on the field.”

His comments echo a strong sentiment within the squad—one that separates performance from administrative rulings.

Legal Battle Still Ongoing

The Senegalese Football Federation has since taken the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking to overturn CAF’s decision.

The case remains unresolved, leaving the final’s legacy hanging in uncertainty.

Controversy Fueling Unity

Rather than divide the squad, Ndiaye believes the situation has strengthened the team’s bond.

The striker suggested the events surrounding the final have created a deeper sense of unity and motivation heading into future competitions.

Eyes Now on the World Stage

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup fast approaching, Senegal are shifting focus from controversy to competition.

Ndiaye struck a confident tone ahead of the global tournament:

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

Experience Key for Senegal’s Ambition

Now 30, Ndiaye brings valuable experience to the squad, having played across Europe and Asia and currently featuring for Samsunspor.

With 15 international caps, he is expected to play both a leadership and on-field role as Senegal prepare for the biggest stage.

Unfinished Business

While the official record may show Morocco as champions, Senegal’s players remain steadfast in their belief.

For Ndiaye and his teammates, the memory of that final cannot be rewritten.

And as the World Cup approaches, that sense of injustice could become a powerful driving force.

Kwaku Nii

Kwaku Nii is an experienced football writer with a strong background in African football reporting. He has spent over five years working as a freelance journalist, covering matches, transfers and key developments across the continent.He is university educated and has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of the African game, supported by a wide network of contacts within the football industry.Kwaku brings valuable insight, consistency and on-the-ground perspective to his reporting, making him a trusted voice in covering African football stories.He is currently a Staff Writer at African.Football, where he contributes to delivering informed, engaging and reliable football content to a global audience.

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