Senegal manager rejects Afcon title removal after walk-off protest
Senegal manager Pape Bouna Thiaw has insisted his side remain the rightful Africa Cup of Nations winners after the Confederation of African Football stripped them of the title.
The West African nation lost their continental crown last week following a controversial 14-minute walk-off protest during January’s final against Morocco in Rabat.
Speaking before a World Cup warm-up match against Peru in Paris, the head coach urged his squad to ignore the off-field distractions.
“We know we’re African champions,” Thiaw told reporters.
Focus remains on the pitch
The national team boss was heavily sanctioned for his involvement in the contentious January incident.
However, he is permitted to lead the Lions of Teranga at the upcoming World Cup in June.
Senegal’s football governing body has already launched an official appeal to the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
“It’s clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch,” added the former international.
Gueye defends national pride
Veteran midfielder Idrissa Gueye echoed his manager’s defiant stance during the press conference.
The nation’s most capped player highlighted the squad’s remarkable recent pedigree in the tournament.
“In the last four Cup of Nations tournaments, Senegal has reached three finals and won two African championship titles.”
Idrissa Gueye
“We didn’t steal this result, it’s the work of an entire country that gives its all,” he stated.
Both men deliberately addressed the media in front of a backdrop proclaiming them as “Champions of Africa”.
The squad continues their international schedule with another friendly against The Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday.
