Senegal’s football team defiantly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy despite orders from the continental football authority and legal warnings from Morocco. The display, held at Paris’ Stade de France on Saturday, underlined Senegal’s unwavering stance over their disputed title.
The team, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, entered the pitch carrying the trophy before their friendly against Peru. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy held the trophy aloft, leading the squad on a lap around the stadium and later presenting it at the presidential box to Abdoulaye Faye, president of the Senegalese Football Association.
Following the parade, the team wore jerseys adorned with two stars, representing Senegal’s African triumphs: the first from 2021 and the second from January 2026. According to the Africa Cup organisers, CAF, Senegal is officially recognised as having only one trophy after their appeal was overturned.
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Final Result | Senegal 1–0 Morocco (January 2026) |
| CAF Appeal Outcome | Morocco awarded 3–0 win (March 17, 2026) |
| Trophy Parade Date | March 28, 2026 |
| Friendly Match Result | Senegal 2–0 Peru |
| Key Players Rested | Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, Mendy |
The controversy began during the AFCON final in Rabat on January 18, when Senegal left the field in protest over a referee’s penalty decision awarded to Morocco. Morocco lodged an appeal, and on March 17, CAF’s appeals board concluded that Senegal had abandoned the match—a ‘walkover’—and awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory.
Senegal rejected this ruling, calling it “the most blatant administrative theft” and lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). Simultaneously, they signalled their intention to publicly display the trophy and assert their claim as champions. Two days prior, Moroccan lawyer Murad Elajouti formally warned stadium authorities and event organisers to prevent any public exhibition of the trophy, cautioning that legal action would follow if Senegal attempted to display it after the CAF ruling.
Undeterred, Senegal went ahead with the parade and wore the two-star jerseys during their friendly against Peru, despite key players Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, and Mendy being rested and not even listed as substitutes. Senegal won the match 2–0.
The episode illustrates the ongoing tension between football administration and national pride in Africa, highlighting the complexities surrounding CAF rulings and the legal disputes arising from controversial tournament decisions. Senegal’s actions reflect a determination to maintain national honour, even in the face of legal and administrative opposition.
This saga is expected to fuel further debate in African football circles over governance, transparency, and the recognition of sporting achievement.