Moussa Niakhaté, defender of the Senegalese national team, delivered a message that combines respect and ambition ahead of the highly anticipated match against Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, affirming that his team will enter the game with the aim of competing honorably for the title.

During the press conference preceding the final, Niakhaté said that he prefers not to use phrases that suggest spoiling anyone's joy, emphasizing that the Senegalese team was raised to respect their opponents and play with sportsmanship, regardless of the size or importance of the match.

The Senegalese international pointed to the deep ties between the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples, emphasizing that these fraternal bonds were evident throughout the tournament, and expressed his regret over any signs of tension that appeared in the hours leading up to the final match.

Niakhaté confirmed that his national team's ambition is legitimate and strong, explaining that the final will be decided by only one side. He added that the Senegalese players will fight to win the cup, in recognition of the hard work and effort the team has put in recently, and to bring joy to the Senegalese fans.

He added that playing in front of a large Moroccan crowd will not affect the focus of the Senegalese players, considering that the fan support for Morocco is natural, and that the outcome of such matches is decided solely on the field.

Niakhaté concluded his statements by affirming the Senegalese national team's desire to bring the cup back to Dakar and celebrate it with the fans and families, emphasizing that the team will give their all to finish the tournament in the best possible way.