Senegal Stages Symbolic Trophy Parade In Friendly Against Peru Amid CAF Sanctions

Senegal Stages Symbolic Trophy Parade In Friendly Against Peru Amid CAF Sanctions

By Admin 

Senegal publicly presented the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on Saturday, despite being ordered to return it, ahead of their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned Senegal’s 1–0 victory over Morocco in the January 18 final, announcing on March 17 that the result would be revised to a 3–0 win in favor of the hosts. The decision followed disciplinary action stemming from events during the match.

In a symbolic gesture before kickoff, Senegal captain Kalidou Coulibaly led his teammates onto the pitch with the AFCON trophy for a lap of honour. The presentation followed a pre-match performance by renowned Senegalese artist Youssou Ndour, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the occasion.

Coulibaly, alongside goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, later placed the trophy in the stadium’s presidential box, where Senegalese Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall and other officials were seated.

The controversy surrounding the final arose after Senegalese players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest of a late penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. Captain Sadio Mané eventually persuaded the team to return. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, and Senegal secured victory in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.

CAF subsequently ruled that Senegal had violated competition regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s authorization, leading to the reversal of the result.

The Senegalese Football Federation has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), maintaining its stance in an effort to retain the title.

A crowd of approximately 70,000 spectators was expected at the Stade de France for Saturday’s match, with a strong turnout of Senegalese supporters joined by Peruvian fans. Earlier in the day, nearly 200 Senegalese fans gathered near the Basilica of Saint-Denis before marching to the stadium, accompanied by traditional drumming.

Local officials welcomed the supporters, praising their unity and cultural expression. “You are a source of pride,” the mayor said, highlighting the significance of the gathering for local communities.

The friendly match against Peru marks Senegal’s first outing since the AFCON final. The team is using the fixture as part of its preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where they have been drawn into a group alongside France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.

Senegal’s squad for the match remains largely unchanged from the one that featured in the AFCON tournament.