Idrissa Gueye's Gesture to Alleviate Tensions
Idrissa Gueye, the captain of Senegal, has expressed his willingness to return the African championship medals to Morocco, which was declared the winner this week by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). This gesture is aimed at easing the ongoing tensions between the two nations. The CAF announced on Tuesday its decision to exclude Senegal from the final match, which they had won in extra time against the Moroccan team (1-0) on January 18 in Rabat. The official result has now been altered to a 3-0 victory for the host nation of the tournament.
In a statement made after his club Everton's victory over Chelsea in the English league (3-0), Gueye remarked, "I personally commit to gathering the medals and perhaps returning them to Morocco if that can help calm the tensions between the two countries." He further expressed his frustration, stating, "It is simply ridiculous... a football match is won on the field, and that is exactly what we did in Morocco. We did what was needed on the pitch and won that match. We deserve to be the African champions; we are the African champions! Titles are earned on the field, not in boardrooms," the midfielder insisted.
Controversial Final Match and Response from Senegalese Football Federation
The final of the Africa Cup of Nations was marked by chaos. Following a penalty awarded to Morocco during the added time of the second half, just after Senegal had a goal disallowed, several Senegalese players temporarily left the field before returning. Meanwhile, Senegalese fans attempted to storm the pitch and threw objects onto the playing area. After Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, both teams proceeded to extra time, where Senegal ultimately triumphed thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye.
In reaction to the CAF's decision, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has decided to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the highest sports jurisdiction located in Lausanne. Gueye added, "If it were solely up to me, I would have told the Federation not to file an appeal."
As reported by flashscore.com.ar.
