Senegal parade AFCON trophy before friendly win over Peru

Senegal publicly displayed the Africa Cup of Nations trophy on Saturday, despite being ordered to return it following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football that overturned their final victory over Morocco.

The move came ahead of an international friendly against Peru in Paris, underlining the West African nation’s continued challenge of the decision.

The governing body had earlier reversed Senegal’s 1-0 win in the January final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory after determining that Senegal players breached regulations by leaving the pitch without permission during the match.

Trophy display before Peru friendly

Captain Kalidou Koulibaly led his teammates onto the pitch at the Stade de France, carrying the AFCON trophy in front of thousands of supporters.

The symbolic parade followed a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour, creating a celebratory atmosphere despite the ongoing dispute.

Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later placed the trophy in the presidential box, where officials of the Senegalese Football Federation were seated.

Meanwhile, Senegal won the friendly game against Peru 2-0.

Appeal process underway

The Senegalese federation has formally appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, seeking a reversal of CAF’s ruling. The appeal follows chaotic scenes in the final, where players briefly walked off in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.

Although Senegal eventually returned to the pitch and secured victory in extra time, CAF ruled that the walk-off constituted a violation of competition rules.

Focus shifts to international duty

Despite the controversy, Senegal proceeded with preparations for their friendly against Peru, marking their first outing since the disputed final.

Supporters gathered in large numbers across Saint-Denis, with many backing the team’s decision to parade the trophy.

With the appeal still pending, the situation remains unresolved.