Senegal Parades AFCON Trophy Despite Being Stripped Of Title
Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in front of fans on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at the
Stade de France ahead of their international friendly against Peru, despite the Confederation of African
Football (CAF) stripping the country of the 2025 title.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) included a 15-minute trophy presentation in the official
matchday schedule. Players brought the trophy onto the pitch as part of the pre-match ceremonies,
with two stars and a “2025 African Champions” banner visible in the stadium.
The event featured celebrations including a performance by Senegalese musician Youssou Ndour.
This defiant display followed CAF’s Appeals Board decision on March 17, 2026, which ruled that Senegal
had forfeited the final due to a brief walk-off in protest against a controversial penalty awarded to hosts
Morocco in the match played on January 18, 2026, in Rabat.
The board overturned Senegal’s 1-0 extra-time victory (goal by Pape Sarr) and declared the result 3-0 in
favour of Morocco, awarding the title to the hosts.
FSF President Abdoulaye Fall described the CAF ruling as an “administrative robbery” and vowed a
“moral and legal crusade” to defend the team’s honour. The federation has refused to return the trophy
and has placed it under protection.
On March 25, 2026, Senegal lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), seeking to
have the original result and title reinstated. CAS confirmed receipt of the appeal but has not yet set a
hearing date or issued a ruling.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw had earlier insisted on March 27, 2026, that “everyone knows we are African
champions,” adding that “trophies are won on the pitch.”
The friendly against Peru went ahead as scheduled, with Senegal using the occasion to publicly affirm
their position while the legal process continues.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
