Senegal Parade 2025 AFCON Trophy Despite Title Dispute

Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France on Saturday, despite being stripped of the title earlier this month.

Confederation of African Football had declared Morocco winners of the 2025 Afcon after overturning the result of January’s final.

The final ended in controversy when Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty with the score at 0-0. After a delay of about 17 minutes, the match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to score the winning goal in extra time.

However, following an appeal by the Moroccan FA, CAF ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.

Senegal have now taken the case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which is expected to give a decision as soon as possible.

Before the friendly match, captain Kalidou Koulibaly led his team-mates onto the pitch with the trophy for a lap of honour. He later placed it in the presidential box alongside goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Senegal also wore shirts with two stars above their badge, representing their 2021 Afcon win and the disputed 2025 title.

On the pitch, Senegal beat Peru 2-0, with goals from Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr.

The match in Paris was Senegal’s first since the Afcon final and is part of their preparations for the upcoming World Cup, where they will face France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq in the group stage.