Senegal ignore ruling and parade Africa Cup of Nations trophy

The fallout from the Africa Cup of Nations final shows no sign of being resolved any time soon. Senegal defied the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and arrived in Paris with the trophy they won on the night against Morocco in January under Pape Thiaw. In a sold-out Stade de France, the Lions of Teranga gave Senegalese fans based in France the chance to see the cup up close.

Senegal determined to hold on to title

Despite CAF announcing that Senegal would be stripped of the title due to their attempted walk-off in the AFCON final, awarding the championship to Morocco, the West African side has remained firm in its stance as champion. The dispute is ongoing, with Senegal appealing the decision and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) now set to intervene.

Before the friendly against Peru, Senegal’s players took to the field in high spirits, with music and laughter. They walked out carrying the AFCON trophy and wearing the gold medals earned in Rabat at the start of 2026. They made it clear they would not allow themselves to be stripped of the title, and they followed through on that promise far from home.

In a match that did not have a broadcaster in France, Senegal’s display of the trophy could lead to further consequences while CAS has yet to issue a ruling. Morocco may pursue legal action, potentially prolonging the dispute currently surrounding African soccer.

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