- He also urged his players to remain focused as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026
- Senegal has since challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport
- The decision was based on Senegal’s 14-minute walk-off during the match
Senegal’s national team staged a symbolic show of defiance in Paris on Saturday, displaying the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of their friendly match against Peru, despite being officially stripped of the title earlier this month.
Captain Kalidou Coulibaly led his teammates on a celebratory lap at the Stade de France, following a pre-match performance by renowned musician Youssou N’Dour, Eko Hot Blog gathered.
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The gesture came after the Confederation of African Football awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory in the AFCON final, overturning Senegal’s 1–0 win in Rabat.
The decision was based on Senegal’s 14-minute walk-off during the match, which was staged in protest over a controversial penalty call.
Senegal has since challenged the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, while Morocco maintains that the issue has already been settled.
Head coach Pape Thiaw insisted that his team still views itself as the rightful champion, emphasizing that titles are earned on the field of play.
He also urged his players to remain focused as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup 2026, stressing the importance of avoiding distractions.
Senegal’s match against the Peru national football team will be followed by another friendly against the Gambia national football team in Dakar.
Meanwhile, Morocco played out a 1–1 draw with the Ecuador national football team in Madrid, marking the first game under new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.
Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou downplayed the controversy, stating that the team is focused on upcoming challenges rather than revisiting the dispute.
Morocco, whose only previous AFCON triumph came in 1976, is now shifting attention toward preparations for co-hosting the 2026 World Cup and building under new leadership.
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