Senegal's national football team displayed the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France in Paris before their friendly match against Peru on Saturday, even after being stripped of the title. The Confederation of African Football awarded the championship to Morocco following an appeal over the final's chaotic end. Senegal has appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
On Saturday, Senegal's players, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, entered the pitch at the Stade de France carrying the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour before their friendly against Peru. The trophy was later placed in the stadium's presidential box. This display came despite CAF's recent decision to award the title to Morocco, the tournament hosts, almost two months after the final in which Senegal prevailed in extra time thanks to a goal from Pape Gueye of Villarreal. The final had descended into controversy when Senegal refused to continue after a late penalty awarded to Morocco, leaving the pitch for about 17 minutes before returning. Morocco's Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka penalty saved, paving the way for Senegal's victory. CAF upheld Morocco's appeal, awarding them a 3-0 win, citing Senegal's walk-off. Senegal's football federation president Abdoulaye Fall called the ruling the 'most blatant administrative robbery in the history of our sport.' He added, 'Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values. Our fight now transcends the football pitch.' Senegal has lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport, which promised a swift ruling. The physical trophy remains in Senegal's possession. Senegal beat Peru 2-0 in the friendly, their first match since the AFCON final and part of preparations for the World Cup, where they face France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.
