‘The Trophy Was Won on the Pitch’: Senegal’s Stars Reject CAF’s Verdict

Senegal’s players have reacted with sharp words and symbolic gestures after CAF’s stunning decision to strip them of the 2025 AFCON title.

West Ham defender El Hadji Malick Diouf was among the first to voice his anger.

‘This trophy is won on the green rectangle, not by e-mail,’ he wrote on social media.

His statement captured the frustration of a squad that believed they had earned their victory fairly on the field.

Midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye struck a more philosophical tone, reminding fans of the unforgettable night in Rabat.

‘Titles, trophies, medals… all this is only ephemeral. We know what we experienced that evening, and no one will be able to take that away from us, inshallah.’

To reinforce their stance, many players posted photos of themselves holding their medals and the AFCON trophy, a visual reminder that for them, the true triumph was sealed on the pitch, not in a boardroom.