Iliman Ndiaye protests CAF decision to strip Senegal of Afcon title
Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye has publicly protested the Confederation of African Football’s controversial decision to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and award it to Morocco.
The Toffees attacker celebrated a goal against Chelsea by holding up two fingers alongside compatriot Idrissa Gana Gueye to signify his nation’s two continental triumphs.
Following the final whistle in the 3-0 Premier League victory, the versatile forward was caught on camera declaring his country as the true champions of Africa.
His defiance comes after the governing body ruled that Les Lions forfeited the December final in Rabat by briefly walking off the pitch in protest.
Final overshadowed by late penalty drama
The original fixture ended in chaotic circumstances when head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his squad off the field in the closing moments of normal time.
This drastic action was a direct response to El Hadji Malick Diouf being penalised for an alleged foul on Brahim Diaz inside the penalty area.
Although the aggrieved squad eventually returned to face the spot-kick, Edouard Mendy comfortably saved a panenka attempt from the Moroccan playmaker.
Midfielder Pape Gueye subsequently scored an extra-time winner to seemingly secure the prestigious trophy for the West African powerhouse.
Senegal launch appeal over forfeit ruling
Following a successful appeal by the defeated finalists, CAF officials have now awarded a retrospective 3-0 victory to the Atlas Lions.
The Senegalese Football Federation immediately announced its intention to challenge this verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Abdoulaye Seydou Sow, the federation’s secretary general, strongly condemned the ruling during an interview on national television.
“We will not back down, the law is on our side,” Sow said.
“This decision is a travesty that rests on no legal basis.”
