Senegal’s national team on Saturday publicly displayed the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy despite being ordered to return it, staging a symbolic parade ahead of an international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France.
The development comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the January 18 final in Rabat, instead awarding a 3-0 win to the host nation following disciplinary rulings.
In a defiant show of pride, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly led his teammates onto the pitch with the trophy, completing a lap of honour before kickoff.
The ceremony followed a pre-match concert by renowned Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour, adding a celebratory tone to the occasion.
Koulibaly, alongside goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, later presented the trophy at the stadium’s presidential box, where officials including Senegalese Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall were seated.
The controversy stemmed from the chaotic AFCON final, during which Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a late penalty in stoppage time.
The team eventually returned following intervention by captain Sadio Mane. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, and Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time.
CAF later ruled that Senegal breached regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s permission, leading to the reversal of the result.
Senegal’s football authorities have since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), maintaining their stance that the title rightfully belongs to them.
Despite the ruling, thousands of Senegalese fans turned out in Paris to support their team.
A crowd of about 70,000 was expected at the stadium, with supporters already filling the stands as players showcased the trophy.
Earlier in the day, nearly 200 Senegalese fans gathered near the Basilica of Saint-Denis, marching toward the stadium with drums and chants in a vibrant display of unity.
The mayor of Saint-Denis, Bally Bagayoko, briefly joined the procession, praising the fans and the sense of solidarity they displayed.
“Welcome to Saint-Denis,” he said. “I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.
“You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. We have often been discriminated against, often looked down upon.
“You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.”
The friendly match against Peru marks Senegal’s first outing since the disputed AFCON final.
The team is also preparing for the upcoming World Cup, where they are grouped alongside France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.
Saturday’s squad closely mirrors the one that competed at the AFCON tournament, underlining continuity as the team navigates both competitive fixtures and ongoing legal battles over their continental title.
