Senegal showcased the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on Saturday before their friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France in Saint-Denis. This came despite the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) order for the team to return the trophy. About an hour before kickoff, Senegal’s players and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw took a lap around the pitch carrying the trophy, receiving an enthusiastic response from a nearly full stadium.
CAF had reversed Senegal’s 1-0 final win over Morocco on March 17awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco due to Senegal’s players leaving the field without the referee’s permission during the match on January 18 in Rabat.
Before the match against Peru, Senegal captain Kalidou Coulibaly and his teammates paraded the AFCON trophy following a concert by Senegalese singer Youssou Ndour. Coulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then placed the trophy in the stadium’s presidential box in front of Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation.
The AFCON final had descended into disorder when Senegal’s players walked off in protest after Morocco was awarded a penalty late in stoppage time. Captain Sadio Mane persuaded the team to return, and after Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure Senegal’s 1-0 victory.
CAF ruled that Senegal’s players violated the rules by leaving the field without permission. The Senegalese Football Federation has appealed the decision with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) and remains determined to retain the title.
On a separate note, Senegal breezed past Peru in the match on Saturday. Nicolas Jackson scored the first goal easily after a strong run by Senegal’s teenage player Ibrahima Mbaye, who stepped up in Mane’s absence. Sarr then scored a second goal after powering past two defenders following a ricocheted ball.
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