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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Senegal is preparing to face Peru in a friendly match at Stade de France, scheduled for 16:00 GMT on Saturday. This match comes on the heels of a tumultuous period for the Senegalese national team, following their recent experience in the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a significant development, Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the stadium, despite being stripped of the title after a controversial final against Morocco. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory, overturning Senegal’s 1-0 win due to issues that arose during the match.

During the final, Senegal’s players protested against the officiating, which led to a mid-game walk-off. This incident has left a mark on the team’s morale, making the upcoming friendly against Peru an important opportunity for them to regroup.

A crowd of approximately 70,000 is expected to attend the match, with nearly 200 Senegal supporters gathering in front of the Basilica of Saint-Denis before heading to the stadium. The atmosphere is anticipated to be vibrant, showcasing the support for the Senegalese team.

In addition to the trophy display, the Senegalese national team will unveil their new official kit, which features two stars above the crest, symbolizing their achievements. Bally Bagayoko, a prominent figure in the Senegalese football community, expressed gratitude for the support, stating, “Welcome to Saint-Denis. I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.”

He further emphasized unity among African nations, saying, “You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.” This sentiment reflects the broader significance of the match beyond just a friendly encounter.

As Senegal takes the field, they will aim to put the recent controversies behind them and focus on their performance against Peru. This match serves not only as a test of their skills but also as a chance to reconnect with their supporters and reaffirm their identity as a strong footballing nation.

Details remain unconfirmed regarding the final lineup and strategy for the match, but the anticipation continues to build as fans await the kickoff.

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