Senegal Beat Peru 2–0 in First Match Since AFCON Controversy

Senegal Beat Peru 2–0 in First Match Since AFCON Controversy

By Niyi Busari 

Senegal secured a 2–0 victory over Peru in an international friendly on Saturday at the Stade de France, marking their first win since the contentious conclusion of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), BSNSports.com.ng reports.

First-half goals set the tone for the Teranga Lions, with Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring in the 41st minute after converting a precise assist from Ibrahim Mbaye. 

Ismaïla Sarr extended Senegal’s lead early in the second half, finishing calmly from close range in the 54th minute.

Senegal dominated much of the encounter, maintaining defensive solidity to keep a clean sheet against a Peruvian side that struggled to generate clear scoring opportunities.

The result comes in the aftermath of a highly disputed AFCON final earlier this year. Senegal had initially defeated Morocco 1–0 after extra time on January 18, with Pape Gueye netting the decisive goal. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later overturned the result following a protest by Senegalese players over a late VAR decision that awarded Morocco a penalty.

CAF’s appeals board ruled the match forfeited, recording it as a 3–0 victory for Morocco and awarding the title to the host nation. Senegal’s football authorities have strongly contested the decision, maintaining that the championship was earned on the field of play. The case has since been taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

In a symbolic gesture ahead of Saturday’s match, Senegal’s players, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, presented the AFCON trophy to supporters in a show of defiance.

Head coach Pape Thiaw reiterated the team’s stance, emphasizing their commitment to on-field performance. “Trophies are won on the pitch,” he said, adding that the squad remains focused on future success.

The friendly forms part of Senegal’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they are set to make their fourth appearance and third in succession.