Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Mon 23 March 2026 17:10, UK

Everton duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye looked to prove a point in the much-needed win against Chelsea on Saturday.

The attacking midfielder was on the scoresheet as the Toffees secured a 3-0 win in arguably the best outing at the Hill Dickinson Stadium so far.

Beto was at his best as himself, and the ex-Sheffield United man combined to devastating effect to cast Liam Rosenior’s men aside.

There were concerns over the 26-year-old after his AFCON title was stripped away from him, as Morocco were awarded the trophy two months after the final.

Ndiaye and Gueye shone against Chelsea and used their celebration to make their feelings clear about the mid-week controversy.

Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye stand against AFCON verdict at Everton

The decision to strip Senegal of the tournament win took the footballing world by surprise, especially so long after the final.

That saw the title removed from the honour roll of Gueye and Ndiaye, leaving the latter with no major trophies to his name.

It would be fair to say the ruling affected him mentally, but he didn’t let that happen; instead, he put in an excellent performance to help his Everton side to victory.

His celebration for the third goal was superb as he joined Gueye to look down the camera and prove a point to CAF.

Former Everton scout Bryan King believes that was the exact meaning behind their actions, but doesn’t believe it impacted their performance.

Speaking exclusively to Goodison News, King said: “I think he’s Everton’s best player without a doubt.

“I bet Chelsea wishes they had someone like Ndiaye. There are plenty of players they’ve bought for a lot more money than he cost.

“He’ll be annoyed that the AFCON result has just been changed 58 days later, 58 days? It’s very poor.

“At the end of the day, Senegal won that game.

“They celebrated together to stick it back to the authorities, but I don’t think they will need firing up because they’re professionals.

“They are good professionals, and I think Ndiaye will continue to be the best player I’ve seen at Everton for years.”

Ndiaye has certainly used AFCON fury to boost his performance, even if it is a subconscious boost that may take him to the next level on Merseyside.

How did Ndiaye react to AFCON ruling?

The feeling for the Senegal national team is unanimous.

They aren’t taking the ruling lying down and performing at the best possible level, which only adds fuel to the fire.

Ndiaye proved just how good he is against Chelsea and had a perfect moment to combine with Gueye and get their point across.

That came just days after the attacker took to Instagram to reveal that the AFCON title was “earned, not given” as he hit out at CAF.

Everton can be proud of how he has reacted to all this controversy and will hope it can further inspire his form in blue moving forward.