Senegal Parade AFCON Trophy In Paris Amid Legal Battle With Morocco
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Senegal’s players made a bold statement in Paris on Saturday, parading the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before their friendly against Peru despite losing the title by decision earlier this month.
Kalidou Coulibaly led the squad on a lap of honour at the Stade de France after a pre-match performance by music icon Youssou N’Dour.
The move came days after the Confederation of African Football awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory in the January final of the Africa Cup of Nations, overturning Senegal’s 1-0 win in Rabat. Caf cited Senegal’s 14-minute walk-off during the final, staged in protest at a penalty decision.
Senegal have appealed the ruling to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, but Morocco insist the matter is closed.
Head coach Pape Thiaw said his side still consider themselves champions.
“We know we’re African champions. We’re going to keep working to win more trophies. It’s clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch. We’ve done that; we’re African champions,” Thiaw said on Friday.
The coach, who faced sanctions over the walk-off, said he wants the squad to stay focused ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“The most important thing is not to get distracted,” he added.
Senegal’s friendly against the Peru national football team is followed by a clash with the Gambia national football team in Dakar on Tuesday.
Morocco, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with the Ecuador national football team in Madrid in their first outing since the ruling. It was the debut of new boss Mohamed Ouahbi.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou made clear the team’s stance on the dispute.
“We’re focused on what’s to come and not getting into that. The answer from us would be what our federation said and that’s all. We’re looking forwards,” he said.
Morocco have won the continental crown only once before, in 1976. With the country preparing to co-host the 2026 World Cup, attention has shifted firmly to the summer tournament and Ouahbi’s plans.
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