Senegal parade AFCON trophy in act of defiance despite being stripped of title

Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy prior to Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru… even though Morocco have been declared winners.

In a dramatic turn of events, Morocco were last week announced as champions of the recent tournament despite losing the final 1-0 in January.

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The Confederation of African Football Appeal Board overturned the result as the match was deemed to have been forfeited by Senegal.

After hosts Morocco were awarded a late penalty, they walked off the pitch in protest as per instructions from manager Pape Thiaw.

Senegal eventually returned and saw Brahim Diaz have his spot-kick saved by ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

Pape Gueye then scored a stunning extra-time winner with Senegal holding on for the victory.

But as per the recent ruling, Morocco have been awarded a 3-0 win and are the AFCON holders.

Senegal have appealed the decision, and the Court of Arbitration (CAS) for Sport will conduct arbitration proceedings ‘as swiftly as possible’.

Defiant response

Despite losing their title, they demonstrated their belief that they deserve to regain it by showing off the trophy.

Prior to their friendly against Peru in Paris, Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates entered the Stade de France pitch with the trophy, where they proceeded to do a lap of honour.

Koulibaly and ex-Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then placed the trophy in the ground’s presidential box.

And in another act of defiance, Senegal played with two stars on their shirt to represent the two AFCON titles they believe they have won [after 2021 success].

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It was only last week which saw Senegal releasing a statement that their World Cup shirts will only have one star.

Goals from Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr proved to be the difference in France in what was Senegal’s first match since the AFCON final.

What next for Senegal?

Whilst they wait for the outcome of their appeal to CAS, Senegal will continue their preparations for this summer’s World Cup.

Following their win over Peru, only Gambia awaits Senegal to conclude their March international break.

Senegal will then play World Cup co-hosts United States in May.

They face France and Norway in Group I, as well as the winner of the inter-confederation play-off between Bolivia and Iraq.

The next Africa Cup of Nations tournament follows a year later, with Senegal hoping to arrive as defending champions.