“Senegal Won On The Pitch”: Iliman Ndiaye defiant over Senegal’s overturned AFCON final glory
Senegal midfielder Iliman Ndiaye has publicly condemned the controversial refereeing decisions from the recent Africa Cup of Nations final, insisting his squad remains the true continental champions despite later being stripped of the title.
Midfielder Iliman Ndiaye has broken his silence regarding the unprecedented controversy that overshadowed January’s Africa Cup of Nations final.
The Teranga Lions star admitted the team harbored deep concerns even before kick-off, citing suspicious circumstances and sudden player illnesses. Those initial anxieties rapidly intensified as what he described as highly questionable refereeing decisions plagued the high-stakes match.
The sporting showpiece descended into complete chaos during the final moments of regular time. Officials disallowed a potential winning goal for Senegal before awarding host nation Morocco a highly contentious penalty.
Furious at the perceived injustice, the Senegalese squad staged a dramatic walk-off. Ndiaye revealed the team experienced overwhelming anger, initially refusing to play before captain Sadio Mané successfully persuaded them to return.
Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy ultimately saved Brahim Díaz’s subsequent spot-kick, paving the way for Senegal to triumph 1–0 in extra time.
However, the Confederation of African Football later stripped Senegal of the crown, officially awarding Morocco a forfeit victory due to the protest.
Despite the governing body’s administrative ruling, a defiant Ndiaye maintained that true justice was delivered directly on the football pitch.
