Senegal Coach: "We Know We Are African Champions; Titles Are Decided on the Field, and That Has Been Achieved"
T.E (Elbotola)
27 March 2026at16:55
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw continues to assert his team's victory in the Africa Cup of Nations, held in Morocco, despite the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially withdrawing the title.
Speaking at the press conference ahead of Senegal's friendly match against Peru, Thiaw stated: "We know that we are African champions, and we will continue to work towards achieving other titles."
He added: "The matter is clear in our minds; competitions and titles are decided on the field. That has been achieved, and we are African champions."
The Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Appeals Committee had previously announced the withdrawal of the Africa Cup of Nations title from the Senegalese national team, following their withdrawal from the continental tournament's final, subsequently awarding it to the Moroccan national team.
What is Senegal coach Pape Thiaw's stance on the Africa Cup of Nations title?
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw maintains his team are the rightful African champions, asserting that titles are decided on the field. He believes their on-field victory in the tournament, held in Morocco, makes their claim clear despite official decisions.
Why did the Confederation of African Football (CAF) withdraw Senegal's title?
CAF withdrew Senegal's Africa Cup of Nations title following the team's withdrawal from the continental tournament's final match. This decision led to the title being awarded to another national team by CAF's Appeals Committee.
What are Senegal's future ambitions according to coach Pape Thiaw?
According to coach Pape Thiaw, Senegal's future ambitions involve continuing to work towards achieving other titles. He emphasizes that despite the controversy, the team's focus remains on future competitions and securing more on-field victories.
