Pape Gueye has no intention of surrendering his winner’s medal from the last Africa Cup of Nations. Although Sénégal was officially stripped of the title in March following a ruling by the CAF appeal jury, the midfielder remains adamant about their victory on the pitch against Maroc (1-0 after extra time) on January 18.

In a recent interview, the Villarreal player, formerly of OM, made it clear that he still views himself and his teammates as the rightful kings of the continent. “We are the champions of Afrique, plain and simple,” he stated. He emphasized that the victory was achieved through play, witnessed by a global audience. Despite the match being interrupted by controversial officiating decisions, the game eventually resumed. He noted that when a penalty was awarded to Maroc, their opponents were eager to take it rather than abandon the match, questioning why the final result should now be overturned. “The medals are with us, in our homes,” he added firmly.

The final was defined by late-game drama, including a disallowed Sénégal goal and a subsequent penalty for the Lions de l’Atlas. This sequence led the Lions de la Teranga to temporarily exit the field in protest. Upon their return, Brahim Diaz failed to convert the penalty, attempting a panenka that missed the mark.

Sénégal takes the case to the TAS

It was Pape Gueye who eventually found the back of the net during the extra period to secure the 1-0 win. Addressing rumors that Idrissa Gueye might be willing to return his medal to de-escalate the situation, Pape Gueye clarified that those remarks were sarcastic. He reiterated his stance, insisting that the entire world is aware that Sénégal earned the trophy through their performance.

The controversy continues as the Sénégal federation recently displayed the trophy during a friendly match at the Stade de France. Following the CAF‘s decision to revoke the title, the Sénégal Football Federation lodged a formal appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS).

Currently, the TAS has not provided a specific timeline for its final ruling. This upcoming decision will represent the definitive conclusion to the dispute, as neither Sénégal nor Maroc will have further legal avenues to challenge the outcome once the TAS delivers its verdict.