Senegal are set to showcase the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France on Saturday, despite being stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Lions of Teranga had initially celebrated what would have been their second AFCON triumph on 18 January, defeating Morocco 1-0 after extra time.
The final, however, ended in controversy as Senegalese players walked off the pitch following the awarding of a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco while the score was still 0-0.
Last week, CAF overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. Senegal has since lodged an appeal, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirming receipt of the case and promising to issue a ruling “as swiftly as possible.”
Despite the legal dispute, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has organised a trophy parade as part of the events surrounding Saturday’s friendly match.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall condemned CAF’s decision, calling it unfair and unprecedented.
“Faced with what amounts to the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to accept this as inevitable,” Fall said.
“Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values. Our fight now transcends the football pitch.”
The planned parade underscores Senegal’s determination to assert their claim to the AFCON title while pursuing legal channels to challenge CAF’s ruling.
