What the media said about Moussa Niakhate as Senegal win Africa Cup of Nations, Forest stars react

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Former Nottingham Forest star Moussa Niakhate is an Africa Cup of Nations champion.

Senegal overcame Morocco in Sunday’s highly charged and deeply controversial final, which saw a 1-0 win in extra time for Niakhate and Co.

Niakhate was used to ensure that Forest complied with PSR in the summer of 2024, moving from the Reds to Lyon for a fee of £27 million.

The Senegalese star was a solid addition to the Forest ranks, and although he missed a lot of 2022/23 through injury, he was part of the team that stabilised the club in the Premier League.

Niakhate always plays the game with a smile on his face and he’s been given some kind words after helping his country win a major international tournament.

• READ MORE: Alan Shearer hails Nottingham Forest star

What the media said about Moussa Niakhate during African Cup of Nations final

It’s fair to say that Niakhate enjoyed a very decent performance in the final and he was correctly lauded by the media in Senegal.

He was awarded a 7/10 for his efforts on the pitch and Sene Web praised his performance throughout the contest.

They wrote: “A pillar of the Senegalese defence since the start of the tournament, the Olympique Lyonnais player once again lived up to expectations.

“Powerful in duels and vigilant in the box, he repelled numerous Moroccan crosses during the opposition’s periods of pressure.

“Without any frills but with efficiency, he brought all his experience, composure, and calmness to stabilize the Senegalese back line.”

Neco Williams and Taiwo Awoniyi react as Niakhate wins AFCON

After a penalty was awarded to Morocco in injury time of the final, Senegal’s boss Pape Thiaw took his team off the pitch in protest.

Following a 17-minute wait, the players returned only for Brahim Diaz to step up and see his penalty saved by Edouard Mendy and the game going into extra-time.

It was Senegal who got the win in the extra 30 minutes, with Pape Gueye scoring the only goal four minutes into the extra period.

Williams and Awoniyi were both teammates of Niakhate’s at Forest and both posted wordless reactions on his Instagram following the game.

Wales performer Williams posted the applause emoji, with Awoniyi posting several praise the lord emojis on Niakhate’s official Instagram.

For a player who pledged his allegiance to Senegal during his time at Forest, this will be a dream come true for the player.

His time at Forest was somewhat hit and miss, but as a firm fan favourite, fans will be delighted to see Niakhate help Senegal claim this accolade.