Players of the Senegal national football team publicly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of their friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, in a bold show of defiance after being stripped of the title earlier this month.
Led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, the team took a lap of honour with the trophy following a pre-match performance by legendary singer Youssou N’Dour.
The controversy stems from a decision by the Confederation of African Football, which on March 17 awarded Morocco national football team a 3–0 victory over Senegal in the AFCON final. This ruling overturned Senegal’s original 1–0 win in Rabat after their players staged a 14-minute walk-off in protest against a penalty decision.
Senegal have since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although Morocco have maintained that the matter is already resolved.
Head coach Pape Thiaw insisted his side still considers itself the rightful African champion, stressing that titles are earned on the pitch.
Meanwhile, Morocco played out a 1–1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid, marking the debut of new coach Mohamed Ouahbi. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dismissed the controversy, saying the team is focused on future competitions.
With Morocco set to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, attention within the camp has shifted toward preparations for the global tournament, while Senegal remain determined to pursue their appeal and move forward without distraction.
