Earned Not Given! Everton Star Takes Dig At CAF Awarding AFCON Title To Morocco

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 18:57 IST

Ndiaye took to social media platform Instagram, to share an image of the Teranga Lions lifting the coveted title with a caption that read, 'earned, not given'!

In a shocking decision by the CAF, Senegal was stripped of their 2026 African Cup of Nations title for leaving the pitch during the final in Rabat in January. Although they returned to the field and secured a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco, the governing body controversially named Morocco as the champions of the continent.

Everton winger Iliman Ndiaye took to social media platform Instagram, to share an image of the Teranga Lions lifting the coveted title with a caption that read, ‘earned, not given’!

In the final, the Senegal team exited the field for 15 minutes in stoppage time to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco, following orders from head coach Pape Thiaw. This action also led to fans attempting to storm the field.

When play resumed, Morocco’s forward Brahim Diaz took the penalty with a Panenka, which was saved by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. Senegal eventually scored the only goal in extra time.

According to Article 28 of the tournament regulations, if a team withdraws from the competition, fails to report for a match, refuses to play, or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the referee’s authorization, it is considered the loser and is eliminated from the current competition.

Senegal captain Sadio Mane, who motivated his team to return to the field and ultimately win the match, expressed his frustration with CAF’s decision.

“What happened has gone too far. This is not the football we fight for, not the Africa we believe in," Mane said.

“There is too much corruption in our game, and it’s killing the passion of millions of fans across the continent. Players give everything on the pitch, but decisions off it are deciding matches and trophies."

“I’m deeply disappointed not just for Senegal, but for African football as a whole. We deserve better. The fans deserve fairness, transparency, and respect," he added.

News sports football Earned Not Given! Everton Star Takes Dig At CAF Awarding AFCON Title To Morocco

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