Pape gueye refuses to return africa cup medal to Morocco
Pape Gueye refuses to surrender Africa Cup of Nations medal to Morocco
Pape Gueye, the Senegalese midfielder who scored in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, stands firm in his belief that Senegal remains the legitimate champions of Africa, despite the CAF’s controversial decision to revoke the title. Speaking exclusively to L’Équipe, Gueye made it clear that he has no intention of returning his medal to Morocco.
On January 18, 2025, Senegal clinched victory over Morocco in a tightly contested final (1-0 after extra time), a result that was later overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The decision sparked widespread debate, with many questioning the fairness of the ruling. Gueye, who now plays for Villarreal, expressed his unwavering conviction in an interview:
“Of course I feel like a champion. Simply because we are the champions of Africa. The world saw us win that final on the pitch. There were incidents, the match was interrupted, but it resumed. When the penalty was awarded, no Moroccan player wanted to stop the game—they all wanted to take it. So why should the result be overturned in the end? And besides, the medals are already with us.”
Controversy and key moments of the final
The final match was marred by controversial decisions, including a disallowed Senegalese goal and a penalty awarded to Morocco. The Senegalese team temporarily left the field in protest before returning to play the remaining minutes. Brahim Díaz’s missed penalty, executed as a panenka, added to the drama. Gueye’s decisive goal in extra time sealed the 1-0 victory, a moment he and his teammates consider definitive.
In the aftermath, teammate Idrissa Gueye jokingly suggested returning his medal to ease tensions. Pape Gueye quickly corrected him, stating firmly:
“No, that was just a joke. I told him I’m not giving up my medal! The whole world knows Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Senegal’s appeal to the CAS
Following the CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of its title, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). While the CAS has not yet set a timeline for its deliberations, the outcome will mark the end of this dispute. Neither team will have further recourse once the decision is made.
In late March, Senegal presented its Africa Cup of Nations trophy during a friendly match at the Stade de France, a symbolic gesture reaffirming their claim to the title. The FSF’s appeal reflects the team’s determination to restore the victory they believe was rightfully earned on the pitch.
