Senegal Sends Message with Trophy Display Amid Africa Cup Dispute

Saint-Denis, France – In a defiant display of principle, the Senegal national football team carried the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy onto the pitch during a pre-match ceremony before their international friendly against Peru on Thursday. The symbolic gesture comes as Senegal continues to contest the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) controversial decision to strip them of the title, a move that has sparked outrage and accusations of injustice.

Senegal defeated Peru 2-0 at the Stade de France, with Bayern Munich loanee Nicolas Jackson opening the scoring in the 41st minute. However, the pre-match presentation of the trophy – won on the pitch against Morocco after extra time in January – overshadowed the friendly itself, sending a clear message to CAF and the wider football world. Images shared widely on social media showed the Senegalese players proudly displaying the trophy, receiving cheers from fans in attendance. ESPN posted images of the display on X, stating, “Senegal reminds the world who really won the Africa Cup before their friendly.”

Controversial Ruling Sparks Outrage

The CAF’s decision to award the title to Morocco stemmed from protests lodged following the final match, which was marred by contentious refereeing decisions. CAF’s appeals court ruled that Senegal had effectively forfeited the match by leaving the pitch in protest during the regulation 90 minutes, awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco. This ruling overturned the original 1-0 victory for Senegal, secured by a Pape Gueye goal in extra time.

The Senegalese Football Federation has vehemently rejected the ruling, labeling it an “administrative robbery” and has filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland. The appeal seeks to overturn the CAF decision and reinstate Senegal as the rightful champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The federation argues that the refereeing errors were the primary cause of the on-field protest, and that the team did not intend to abandon the match entirely.

A Tumultuous Final

The final between Senegal and Morocco was fraught with controversy. A late penalty awarded to Morocco was met with fierce protests from the Senegalese players, who felt the decision was unjust. The ensuing chaos led to a significant delay and Senegal’s temporary walk-off the pitch. While Sadio Mané, then playing for Bayern Munich, successfully persuaded his teammates to return to the field, the incident cast a shadow over the victory.

Brahim Díaz missed the contested penalty for Morocco, and Senegal ultimately prevailed in extra time, securing their second Africa Cup of Nations title, following their first triumph in 2021. However, the subsequent protests and CAF’s eventual ruling have overshadowed the sporting achievement.

Jackson Leads Senegal to Victory Over Peru

Despite the ongoing dispute, Senegal demonstrated their quality on the pitch against Peru. Nicolas Jackson, currently on loan at Bayern Munich from Chelsea, continued his impressive form, scoring the opening goal. The Senegalese team, missing star forward Sadio Mané for this friendly, controlled much of the match and secured a comfortable 2-0 victory. This win provides a positive boost for Senegal as they prepare for future international commitments.

Jackson’s goal, a testament to his growing prowess as a striker, highlighted his importance to both Bayern Munich and the Senegalese national team. He has been a key player for Senegal since making his debut in 2022, featuring in 32 international matches and scoring 8 goals as of March 28, 2026, according to records.

What’s Next for Senegal?

Senegal’s appeal to CAS represents their last hope of reclaiming the Africa Cup of Nations title. The outcome of the CAS hearing will be closely watched by football fans across the continent and beyond. The Senegalese Football Federation remains resolute in its pursuit of justice, determined to ensure that the sporting result is upheld. The team will continue to prepare for upcoming fixtures, including World Cup qualifying matches, while awaiting a decision from CAS. Their next confirmed match is a World Cup qualifier in June, details of which will be announced by CAF in the coming weeks.

The situation underscores the ongoing challenges facing African football governance and the importance of fair and transparent decision-making. Senegal’s defiant stance serves as a powerful reminder that the integrity of the game must be protected, and that sporting results should be determined on the pitch, not in the boardroom.