“We deserve to be African champions,” says Idrissa Gueye in response to the CAF Appeals Committee’s decision

At a press conference ahead of Senegal’s friendly match against Peru on Saturday 28 March, the midfielder reaffirmed the legitimacy of the Lions of Teranga’s title win.

Speaking to journalists, Idrissa Gueye expressed his bewilderment and frustration following the decision by the African Football Confederation’s Appeal Committee to strip Senegal of the African title and award it to Morocco. But for him, it goes without saying that Senegal deserves its title.

We deserve to be African champions on the pitch. As players, nothing can replace the intense emotions we experienced. In the last four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, Senegal has reached four finals and won two African titles. We didn’t steal this result. It’s the work of an entire country that gives its all.