Senegal showcased the Africa Cup of Nations trophy prior to their friendly match against Peru, held at the iconic Stade de France. This display was particularly poignant given that Senegal was recently stripped of their championship title earlier this month, following a contentious ruling.
The controversy began when the Confederation of African Football (Caf) named Morocco as the winners of the 2025 Afcon tournament, overturning the result of the final that took place in January. During this decisive match, Senegal’s players demonstrated their discontent by walking off the field in protest after Morocco was awarded a disputed penalty in stoppage time while the score stood at 0-0. Following a considerable interruption of approximately 17 minutes, the players returned to the pitch, only for Morocco to miss the subsequent penalty attempt. Senegal subsequently seized the moment, scoring an extra-time goal that seemed to seal their victory. However, in a twist of fate, Morocco’s FA (FRMF) lodged a formal appeal, prompting Caf to rule that Senegal had forfeited the match, resulting in a 3-0 victory for Morocco. This ruling has sparked a wave of outrage within the Senegalese camp, and they have since initiated an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), which has promised to address the case expeditiously.
Before stepping onto the pitch to face Peru, Senegal’s captain Kalidou Koulibaly, along with his fellow teammates, entered the field carrying the Afcon trophy in a symbolic lap of honour, signaling their lingering pride and belief in their accomplishments, despite the recent turmoil. Following the lap, Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy made their way to the presidential box, where they placed the trophy as a heartfelt reminder of their claim to glory.
Additionally, during this friendly, the Senegalese team donned special jerseys featuring two prominent stars above their badge. This emblematic design was a nod to the nation’s footballing history, representing their two Africa Cup of Nations titles—the controversial 2025 championship and their previously won title in 2021. This artistic choice not only showcased their achievements but also highlighted their ongoing struggle for recognition in light of current events.
In the match itself, Senegal managed to secure a convincing 2-0 victory over Peru, with goals netted by Nicolas Jackson, who is currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Chelsea, and Ismaila Sarr of Crystal Palace. The friendly encounter in Paris marked Senegal’s first competitive appearance since the Afcon final, serving as a crucial step in their preparations for the impending World Cup scheduled to kick off in June. In this upcoming tournament, Senegal finds themselves grouped with formidable opponents: France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq, making their training and strategy preparations essential as they aspire for triumph on the world stage. The stakes have never been higher, as they aim to reaffirm their place among elite national teams and etch their name in the annals of football history.
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