Pape Gueye affirmed his national team's commitment to retaining the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2025, emphasizing that the victory was achieved on the field and in front of everyone, despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the tournament's fate.

The Senegal national team secured a 1-0 victory over Morocco in a final match that extended into extra time, clinching the title for the second time in its history.

In statements to the French newspaper "L'Équipe," Pape Gueye said: "We have the medals; we are simply the champions of Africa. This final was decided on the field, and the world witnessed it."

He added: "The match experienced some stoppages, but it resumed normally. When the penalty was awarded, the Moroccan players did not ask for the match to be stopped; they were ready to take it. So why is the result being questioned now?"

The crisis escalated following the decision to strip Senegal of the title due to incidents during the match, prompting the Senegalese federation to escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which agreed to review the events of the match, pending a final decision.

It is noted that the final match was held in the capital, Rabat, and witnessed an exciting scenario that ended with Senegal's victory by a single goal after 120 minutes, before events outside the stadium unfolded, casting a shadow over the fate of the title.