'No One Will Be Able To Take That Night In Rabat...'! Idrissa Gana Gueye Responds To AFCON Title Shocker

Last Updated:March 18, 2026, 15:34 IST

Gana Gueye took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional message following the controversial decision to strip the Teranga Lions off the crown.

Morocco was awarded the African Cup of Nations title on Tuesday after Senegal forfeited the game by walking off the field in protest before the final concluded. Despite returning to the field and winning the match 1-0, Senegal’s initial walkout led to their forfeiture.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced that the appeals committee had ruled Senegal forfeited the game due to their early exit, turning their 1-0 victory into a 3-0 defeat.

Senegalese midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye took to social media platform Instagram to post an emotional message following the controversial decision to strip the Teranga Lions off the crown.

“Titles, trophies, medals… all of that is only temporary," the midfielder said.

“What really matters is that every supporter can go home and be reunited with their family. The Senegalese people have shown who they are: dignified in victory, dignified in adversity."

“That is Teranga. We know what we experienced that night in Rabat, and that, no one will ever be able to take away from us, God willing," the post added.

During the final held in Rabat in January, Senegal’s players, led by coach Pape Thiaw, left the field for 15 minutes in stoppage time to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. This prompted fans to attempt 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. Despite this, Senegal scored the only goal in extra time.

Article 28 of the tournament regulations state that, “if, for any reason whatsoever, a team withdraws from the competition or does not report for a match, or refuses to play or leaves the ground before the regular end of the match without the authorization of the referee, it shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated for good from the current competition."

News sports football 'No One Will Be Able To Take That Night In Rabat...'! Idrissa Gana Gueye Responds To AFCON Title Shocker

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