Senegal media raves about Everton duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye after crazy AFCON scenes
Everton are set to welcome Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye back as AFCON champions after Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in the final on Sunday.
The Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium hosted the two giants of African football on 18 January, with Pape Gueye’s strike in extra time enough for the Lions of Teranga to lift the prestigious trophy for just the second time in their history.
Ndiaye was a key player for Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations and will return to the Blues with a gold medal around his neck.
Gueye has also been exceptional for Pape Thiaw throughout the tournament, and the Merseyside outfit’s duo helped their national team get over the line against Walid Regragui’s team.
Idrissa Gueye midfield general, Iliman Ndiaye workhorse in Senegal win vs Morocco
Controversy surrounded the AFCON final in what can only be described as crazy scenes as Senegal walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a penalty late into stoppage time after a VAR review.
Thiaw’s team subsequently walked off the pitch in an apparent protest, but returned, and Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz’s panenka penalty was eventually saved by former Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy 14 minutes after it was awarded.
Pape Gueye’s tremendous goal in the 94th minute of extra time sealed a historic victory for the Lions of Teranga against the hosts.
DSPORTS wrote after the game, “Idrissa Gueye delivered a commanding performance, guiding the team with intelligence and authority.”
The news outlet added, “Ndiaye, despite a limited attacking influence, put in a tremendous defensive shift.”
In the first half, Ndiaye had one of the biggest chances of the game to give Senegal the lead earlier after being played in behind the defence by Nicolas Jackson, but Yassine Bounou came out on top.
RTS wrote, “At halftime, Senegal had registered four shots on target, including two clear-cut chances, confirming their slight dominance, driven by Ndiaye’s mobility and Sadio Mane’s impact on the left flank.”
David Moyes to achieve his Everton aspiration after Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye return
David Moyes got the better of Unai Emery at Villa Park on Sunday as the Toffees beat Aston Villa 1-0 in the Premier League.
Everton took home the three points courtesy of a Thierno Barry goal at around the hour mark, taking them three points behind fifth-place Manchester United.
The Scottish manager has his eyes on finishing in a European spot in the league table, and Gueye and Ndiaye’s return will undoubtedly give the Blues a boost for the rest of the season.
On 26 January, the Hill Dickinson Stadium will host Leeds United, and fans in L4 will be desperate to see the two AFCON champions back in action for the Merseyside outfit.
Stay up to date this winter with our Everton transfer tracker. Click to see every done deal at Ibrox, plus expert reaction from our team of writers.