Senegal Coach Breaks Silence on Afcon Title Stripping
Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw has broken his silence to defiantly claim his team remain the rightful African champions, despite the Confederation of African Football's Appeal Board stripping them of the Africa Cup of Nations title last week. The decision followed Senegal's controversial 14-minute walk-off protest during January's final in Rabat, which led to the trophy being awarded to Morocco.
Thiaw Challenges Decision and Urges Focus
Speaking publicly for the first time since the announcement, Thiaw told reporters that tournaments should be "won on the pitch", directly challenging the ruling. He made these remarks ahead of a World Cup warm-up friendly against Peru in Paris, declaring: "We know we're African champions." Thiaw urged his team to maintain focus on their football and avoid distractions from the controversy, as Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Swiss-based Court of Arbitration for Sport.
"The most important thing is not to get distracted," added Thiaw, who was heavily sanctioned for his role in the walk-off but is permitted to lead Senegal to the World Cup in June. He reiterated his conviction: "We know we're African champions. We're going to keep working to win more trophies. It's clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch. We've done that; we're African champions." The team's schedule includes another friendly against Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday.
Players Echo Coach's Sentiments
Echoing his coach, Senegal's most capped international, Idrissa Gueye, underscored the team's on-field achievements. "As players, nothing can replace the intense emotions we experienced," he stated. "In the last four Cup of Nations tournaments, Senegal has reached three finals and won two African championship titles. We didn't steal this result. It's the work of an entire country that gives its all. We deserve to be African champions on the field."
Both Thiaw and Gueye addressed the press in front of a backdrop emblazoned with "Champions of Africa", hinting at a potential public display of the Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France. This move could further escalate tensions with Morocco, as the dispute over the title continues to unfold amidst Senegal's preparations for upcoming international fixtures.
