Senegal’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was initially celebrated, but the outcome has since been overturned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), leading to ongoing disputes between Senegal and Morocco. Senegal had won the title in a controversial final against Morocco, with a score of 1-0. However, CAF ruled that the match result was to be overturned, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title.

In response to the ruling, Senegal plans to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The Senegalese government has also called for an independent international inquiry into CAF’s decision, highlighting the contentious nature of the final. During the match, Senegal’s players protested a penalty awarded to Morocco, which has added to the tensions surrounding the ruling.

Following the ruling, Morocco declared the case for the trophy closed, asserting their claim to the title. The situation has drawn significant attention, especially as Senegal prepared for a friendly match against Peru, which marked their first game since the AFCON final. A crowd of 70,000 was expected at Stade de France for this match, showcasing the ongoing support for Senegal.

Bally Bagayoko, a prominent figure in Senegalese football, expressed gratitude to supporters, stating, “Welcome to Saint-Denis. I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative. You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.” This sentiment reflects the unity and pride felt by Senegalese fans amidst the controversy.

As the situation develops, observers are keen to see how the appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport will unfold. The outcome could have significant implications for both Senegal and Morocco, as well as for the governance of football in Africa. The disputes surrounding the AFCON title highlight the complexities and challenges faced by football authorities in managing competitive integrity.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the appeal process and any potential responses from CAF or Morocco. The international football community will be closely monitoring the developments in this high-stakes dispute.

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Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in January 2026 but was stripped of the victory weeks later due to a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The decision came after Senegal’s players left the field in protest during the final against Morocco, following a controversial penalty awarded to their opponents.

On March 28, 2026, Senegal paraded the AFCON trophy at Stade de France in Paris ahead of a friendly match against Peru. This event drew an expected crowd of 70,000, showcasing the team’s resilience and the support of their fans despite the ongoing controversy surrounding the legitimacy of the trophy.

Kalidou Koulibaly led the squad in a lap of honour with the trophy, which was presented to supporters amidst the backdrop of Senegal’s appeal against the CAF ruling, currently pending with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The friendly against Peru marked Senegal’s first match since the AFCON final.

During the AFCON final, Senegal’s players protested a penalty awarded to Morocco, which was missed after a 14-minute delay when the team returned to the field. Initially, Senegal had scored one goal in the match, but following the CAF ruling, Morocco was awarded a 3-0 victory and the title.

Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, expressed gratitude to those who organized the parade, emphasizing the unity and pride of the Senegalese community. “Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal,” he stated, highlighting the significance of the event for the residents.

The public celebration comes just 10 days after CAF’s decision to revise the tournament history, which has left many in the football community in disbelief. Senegal has indicated they will take their appeal back to CAF and the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a process that could take up to a year to resolve.

As the situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching how the appeal process will progress and what implications it may have for Senegal’s footballing future. The Senegalese government has also called for an independent inquiry into CAF’s decision, reflecting the broader concerns regarding governance in African football.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the appeal’s resolution, but the sentiment among Senegalese supporters remains strong as they rally behind their team during this tumultuous period.

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