By Our Correspondent
National News – Senegal national football team players publicly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before their international friendly against Peru national football team at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, despite being officially stripped of the title earlier in March.
The symbolic act was seen as a strong message from the team, which still believes it legitimately won Africa’s biggest football tournament.
The trophy parade happened shortly before kickoff when Senegal’s captain, Kalidou Coulibaly, led teammates in a lap of honour around the stadium while holding the AFCON trophy.
The moment followed a pre-match performance by legendary Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour, adding a celebratory atmosphere to what has become one of the most controversial moments in recent African football.
The dispute began after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s 1–0 victory against Morocco national football team in the January AFCON final held in Rabat.
On March 17, CAF ruled that Morocco should be awarded a 3–0 win following a 14-minute walk-off by Senegal players during the match.
The protest occurred after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, a decision that sparked outrage among Senegal’s players and technical staff.
Senegal has since challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, hoping the verdict will be reversed.
Meanwhile, Morocco insists the matter has been settled and is focusing on upcoming international competitions.
Speaking ahead of the friendly, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw maintained that his team still considers itself the rightful champion.
According to him, trophies should be decided on the pitch rather than through administrative rulings.
Thiaw also stressed that his priority is to keep the squad focused on future tournaments, including the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled for June.
Senegal will also face neighbouring Gambia national football team in another friendly in Dakar on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Morocco played a 1–1 friendly draw against Ecuador national football team in Madrid, marking the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said the team has no interest in revisiting the AFCON controversy and prefers to focus on preparations for the World Cup.
