On Saturday, March 28, 2026, the Senegal national team made a bold statement of defiance by parading the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy at the Stade de France in Paris.
The celebration took place just before their international friendly against Peru, serving as a direct protest against the Confederation of African Football (CAF), which officially stripped Senegal of the title on March 17, 2026.
The Controversy: Why CAF Stripped the Title
The dispute stems from the chaotic final on January 18, 2026, where Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1–0 in extra time.
The "Walk-Off": In the final minutes of regular time (with the score 0–0), the referee awarded Morocco a penalty.
The Ruling: Morocco missed the subsequent penalty and Senegal eventually won the game.
The Result: CAF overturned the 1–0 scoreline and awarded Morocco a 3–0 default victory, officially declaring them the 2025 champions.
A "Lap of Honor" at Stade de France
Despite the ruling, the "Lions of Teranga" transformed their friendly in Paris into a victory celebration:
The Parade: Captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy led the team in a lap of honor, holding the trophy aloft in front of a heavily pro-Senegalese crowd of thousands.
The "Two-Star" Jersey: Senegal played the match wearing shirts featuring two stars above their crest—one for their 2021 title and a second for the disputed 2025 crown.
The Pre-Match Concert: Senegalese icon Youssou N'Dour performed a pre-match concert, further cementing the event as a national celebration of their "stolen" victory.
Friendly Result: Senegal 2-0 Peru
The off-field drama didn't distract the team from their on-field performance:
| Detail | Information |
| Scoreline | Senegal 2 - 0 Peru. |
| Scorers | Nicolas Jackson (41') and Ismaila Sarr (54'). |
| Standout | 18-year-old PSG sensation Ibrahim Mbaye, who assisted the first goal. |
| Venue | Stade de France, Saint-Denis, Paris. |
The Legal Battle: CAS Appeal
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) has officially described CAF's decision as the "most blatant administrative robbery" in sports history.
Appeal Filed: Senegal has filed an urgent appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Switzerland.
Next Steps: CAS has confirmed receipt and promised a "swift ruling," though typical procedures can take months unless both parties agree to an expedited process.
"Senegal will not bend the knee... Our fight now transcends the football pitch. We are defending our honor." — Abdoulaye Fall, President of the Senegalese Football Federation.
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