Senegal National Team Parades AFCON Trophy In Paris Despite CAF Stripping Title
Senegal National Team Parades AFCON Trophy In Paris Despite CAF Stripping Title
Led by captain Kalidou Coulibaly, the Teranga Lions took a lap of honour with the trophy following a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour, in what appeared to be a symbolic rejection of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial ruling.
Senegal’s national team on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, insisting they remain the rightful champions of Africa despite being stripped of the title.
Led by captain Kalidou Coulibaly, the Teranga Lions took a lap of honour with the trophy following a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour, in what appeared to be a symbolic rejection of the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial ruling.
CAF had on March 17 overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the January final, awarding the North African side a 3-0 win.
SaharaReporters reports that the decision followed a 14-minute walk-off by Senegalese players during the match in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco.
The ruling stirred widespread debate across the football community, with Senegal swiftly filing an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland. However, Moroccan authorities have maintained that the matter is settled.
Speaking for the first time since the decision, Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw doubled down on his team’s stance, declaring that the title was won fairly on the pitch.
“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.
Thiaw, who was central to the walk-off controversy and is facing possible sanctions, said his priority is to keep his squad focused amid the ongoing dispute.
“The most important thing is not to get distracted,” he added.
Despite the off-field tensions, Thiaw is expected to lead Senegal into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, with preparations already underway. Saturday’s friendly against Peru will be followed by another clash against Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Morocco—now officially recognised by CAF as AFCON champions—played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly match in Madrid on Friday. The game marked the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who has been tasked with preparing the team for the upcoming World Cup, which Morocco will co-host.
Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dismissed the controversy, signalling the team’s intent to move forward.
“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, whose only previous AFCON triumph came in 1976, appear keen to shift attention to the global stage, while Senegal continue to fight for recognition—both on and off the pitch.
