Senegalese midfielder Pape Gueye has reignited controversy surrounding the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final in a recent interview with French sports daily L'Équipe. The match, held in February 2025, saw Morocco defeat Senegal 2-1 to claim the title.
Gueye, who played in the final, criticized the conduct of the Moroccan team and match officials. He specifically referenced contentious refereeing decisions and alleged gamesmanship by Moroccan players, which he believes impacted the outcome. His comments have brought renewed attention to the disputed match over a year later.
The 2025 AFCON final was a tightly contested affair marked by significant tension. Post-match reactions from the Senegalese camp were heated, with manager Aliou Cissé also expressing frustration at the time. Gueye's latest remarks confirm that the sense of injustice within the Senegalese squad persists.
Football analysts note that such lingering disputes are not uncommon in high-stakes continental finals. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not issued any new statements regarding the match's officiating in light of Gueye's interview. The midfielder is currently preparing for the upcoming club season with his team.
