Senegal’s players proudly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in front of fans at Stade de France in Paris on Saturday, despite a recent decision to strip them of the title. The team, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, displayed the trophy before a friendly match against Peru as part of pre-game celebrations.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) reversed Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in January, awarding a 3-0 win to the host nation. This decision stemmed from a protest by Senegal players during the final, leading to a 15-minute stoppage when Morocco was awarded a penalty. Senegal’s football federation has called the ruling an “administrative robbery.”
Senegal has appealed CAF’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), registering the case this week. The country’s legal team maintains they are the rightful champions of Africa and is seeking an expedited procedure, hoping for a verdict within two months.
Senegal defeated Peru 2-0 in their World Cup warm-up game following the trophy presentation.