The Yellows midfielder rejoined Villarreal training on Thursday after lifting the AFCON trophy
Pape Gueye returned to the Yellows ranks on Thursday after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in a true nail-biting final against Morocco (0–1). The Senegal international has already trained with his team-mates as Villarreal begin preparations for their upcoming clash against Real Madrid, which will take place this Saturday at 9pm CEST at the Estadio de la Cerámica. Upon his arrival at the Ciudad Deportiva José Manuel Llaneza, his team-mates gave him a warm welcome following his outstanding continental triumph.
Tribute before the Real Madrid match
Villarreal CF will pay tribute to Pape Gueye for winning the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of the match against Real Madrid (Saturday, 9pm CET). Before kick-off, on the pitch, Marcos Senna will present an institutional gift to the Senegalese footballer, who will receive a well‑deserved ovation from the Yellow Submarine fans.
Hero of the final in Rabat
Pape Gueye was the standout figure in the final. It was a fiercely contested match, full of tension, in which Morocco missed a penalty in stoppage time. Then, in extra time, the Villarreal midfielder struck the decisive blow in the 94th minute with a sensational goal worthy of a final.
That strike was the perfect finishing touch to an incredible tournament for the Yellows midfielder. He featured in six of Senegal’s seven matches, totalling 506 minutes, and finished the competition with three goals: one in the final against Morocco and two in the round of 16 against Sudan.
Pape Gueye was undoubtedly a key player for the Senegal national team on their road to AFCON glory. Following the triumph in Morocco, he becomes the fourth Villarreal player to lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. Previously, the honour was achieved by Uche with Nigeria, Eric Bailly with Côte d’Ivoire and Boulaye Dia with Senegal.
