Senegal national football team flaunt AFCON trophy, reject controversial demand to surrender title

Senegal proudly showcased the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on Saturday ahead of their friendly clash with Peru at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, defying the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) order to return the trophy.

About an hour before kickoff, Senegal’s players and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw took a lap around the pitch carrying the trophy, earning cheers from a nearly full stadium. CAF had controversially overturned Senegal’s 1-0 win over Morocco in the March 17 ruling, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco after citing that Senegal’s players had left the field without the referee’s permission during the January 18 final in Rabat.

Before facing Peru, Senegal captain Kalidou Coulibaly and his teammates paraded the AFCON trophy following a performance by Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour. Coulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then placed the trophy in the stadium’s presidential box in front of Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation.

The AFCON final had descended into chaos when Senegal’s players walked off in protest after Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty. Captain Sadio Mane persuaded the team to return, and after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s 1-0 win. CAF later ruled that Senegal’s departure violated the rules. The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and remains determined to retain the title.

On the pitch against Peru, Senegal dominated in Mane’s absence. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring after a strong run from teenage sensation Ibrahima Mbaye, and Sarr doubled the lead by powering past two defenders after a ricocheted ball, sealing a comfortable victory.