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"Players and staff from the Senegal national football team spoke out on Friday after being stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title, following a controversial ruling by the Confederation of African Football. Speaking at a press conference in Paris ahead of a friendly against Peru, Senegal coach Pape Thiaw insisted the team still considers itself champion. “Everyone knows we're African champions. We're going to keep working, keep going for more trophies because it's clear in our minds,” he said. Midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye said the emotions of victory could not be erased. “The intense emotions we felt on the field, nothing can replace that,” he said. On March 17, CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the 2025 final, awarding the Moroccan national football team a 3–0 victory and the title. The decision followed a dramatic incident during the final in Rabat on January 18. With the match level late on, Morocco were awarded a penalty after a VAR review. In protest, Thiaw ordered his players off the pitch, causing a delay of more than 15 minutes. Senegal later returned to complete the match. Morocco missed the penalty, saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, before Senegal went on to win 1–0 in extra time. Former Senegal international El Hadji Diouf defended the team’s claim to the title. “Morocco had a penalty, but they missed it. We played our game, we were on the pitch, and we received all the honours of a champion,” he said. “We have two stars; if we win at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, that will make three,” he added. Senegal’s football federation has appealed the decision, with the case now set to be decided in Lausanne."
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