Senegal parades AFCON 2025 trophy despite CAF ruling

The Teranga Lions of Senegal defiantly paraded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)trophy before their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France, despite being officially stripped of the title earlier this month.

Kalidou Koulibaly led the team on a lap of honour with the trophy, later joined by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy as they presented it in the stadium’s presidential box.

The move comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result of January’s final, awarding Morocco a 3–0 victory following Senegal’s walk-off protest after a stoppage-time penalty was awarded to the hosts.

The controversy stems from the dramatic final, where Senegal players temporarily left the pitch in protest. After a delay, play resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, and Senegal went on to score the winning goal in extra time. However, following an appeal by the Moroccan federation, CAF ruled the match forfeited.

Senegal has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has confirmed it will deliver a verdict as swiftly as possible.