Paris: Senegal on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy they have been ordered to return, before defeating Peru 2-0 in an international friendly at the Stade de France.
The move followed a decision by the Confederation of African Football on March 17 to overturn Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final held in Rabat on January 18, instead awarding a 3-0 win to the hosts.
Ahead of kickoff, Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly led his teammates on a lap of honour with the AFCON trophy, in front of a crowd largely dominated by Senegalese supporters. The ceremony followed a pre-match performance by renowned Senegalese artist Youssou N’Dour.
Koulibaly, alongside goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, later placed the trophy in the stadium’s presidential box in the presence of Abdoulaye Fall, president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).
Despite the controversy, Senegal players wore shirts bearing two stars, one marking their maiden AFCON triumph in 2021 and the other representing the disputed January victory.
Senegal, missing key players including Koulibaly, Mendy, Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye, who were rested and not included in the matchday squad, still proved too strong for Peru. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring in the first half, before Ismaila Sarr sealed the win after the break.
The AFCON final in January had ended in controversy after Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest following a late penalty awarded to Morocco during stoppage time. The players later returned after intervention from captain Mane. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz missed the spot-kick, before Pape Gueye netted the winner in extra time.
CAF subsequently ruled that Senegal had breached regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s permission.
The FSF has since appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, maintaining hopes of retaining the title.
Earlier in the day, nearly 200 Senegalese supporters gathered near the Basilica of Saint-Denis before marching towards the Stade de France, accompanied by traditional drums and percussion.
Saint-Denis mayor Bally Bagayoko briefly joined the procession, welcoming supporters and praising their unity.
The friendly marked Senegal’s first outing since the controversial Rabat final, as the Lions of Teranga continue preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside France, Norway and either Iraq or Bolivia.
Peru, meanwhile, finished ninth in the 10-team South American qualifying group and failed to secure a place at the tournament to be held in Mexico, Canada and the United States.
