AFCON Drama: Senegal damn consequences, parade trophy in France

Senegal’s national team showed off the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before their friendly match against Peru in Paris, even though the title was taken away from them earlier this month.

Captain Kalidou Coulibaly led the players around the stadium with the trophy. The event also featured a performance by famous Senegalese musician Youssou N’Dour.

Earlier, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a 3-0 win over Senegal in the AFCON final played in January. This decision changed the original 1-0 result in Senegal’s favour.

CAF said the decision was because Senegal players walked off the pitch for 14 minutes to protest a penalty given during the match.

Senegal have appealed the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, but Morocco believe the matter is already settled.

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, said he still believes his team are the real champions.

He said, “We know we are African champions. Trophies are won on the pitch, and we did that.”

Thiaw also said he wants his players to stay focused and not get distracted by the issue.

Meanwhile, Morocco played a 1-1 draw against Ecuador in a friendly match. Their goalkeeper, Yassine Bounou, said the team is not interested in discussing the controversy and is focused on future matches.

Morocco has only won AFCON once before, in 1976. They are now preparing for the upcoming World Cup, which they will co-host in 2026.