Saint-Denis, France – Despite being recently stripped of their Africa Cup of Nations title by the CAF appeals board, the Senegal national team intends to present their championship trophy to supporters in France this Saturday, ahead of a friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France (17:00 local time/15:00 UTC). The match, taking place on March 28, 2026, is particularly poignant as Senegal prepares for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against France in June.
The upcoming fixture isn’t just a preparation game; it’s a symbolic gesture for the Lions of Teranga, who continue to assert their claim as African champions despite the administrative setback. The Fédération Sénégalaise de Football (FSF) has indicated that Sadio Mané and his teammates will wear jerseys adorned with two stars, representing their victories in the 2021 and 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments, even with the latter title officially revoked.
“The Lions will wear their new jerseys this afternoon at the Stade de France,” a post on the national team’s official X and Instagram accounts confirmed, accompanied by two star emojis. This decision follows a period of uncertainty sparked by the initial unveiling of the Senegal’s 2026 World Cup kits, which featured only one star. The FSF explained the discrepancy, stating that the two-star design was initiated in August 2025, six months before the CAN tournament.
Legal Challenge Looms as Morocco Seeks to Intervene
The planned celebration, however, is not without controversy. The situation has escalated tensions between Senegal and Morocco, with the latter attempting to legally challenge the display of the trophy. Mourad Elajouti, president of the Moroccan Lawyers Club, threatened the FSF and the Stade de France with legal action should the trophy be presented publicly on Saturday.
Elajouti has now taken further action, commissioning a court bailiff to attend the Senegal-Peru match as an “official witness.” According to a series of posts on X, the bailiff will document the identities of organizers present, logos used and any exhibition of the trophy. “This report will be sent to the FIFA Ethics Committee (instruction chamber), which is the competent body to judge violations of the code of ethics, as well as the FIFA Disciplinary Committee,” Elajouti stated.
Le Club des Avocats Au Maroc a mandaté un commissaire de justice afin de constater les faits au Stade de France.
— Mourad Elajouti (@Elajouti) March 28, 2026
Elajouti concluded by characterizing the celebration at the Stade de France as a “major strategic error” that could significantly impact Senegal’s case when This proves ultimately heard by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). He argued that such “institutional insubordination and blatant defiance of the authority of the res judicata” will weigh heavily on the CAS arbitrators.
Senegal, maintaining its position as the reigning African champion despite the administrative loss of the title, has formally appealed the CAF’s decision to CAS and is awaiting further proceedings. The situation highlights the complex interplay between sporting regulations, national pride, and legal challenges in international football.
The Stade de France is sold out for the match, with no matchday ticket sales available, according to OneFootball. Supporters have been gathering in Saint-Denis, with a procession planned from the Basilica to the stadium. The atmosphere is expected to be charged, reflecting the strong Senegalese diaspora in France and the emotional weight of the ongoing dispute.
Beyond the off-field drama, this friendly serves as a crucial warm-up for Senegal ahead of their challenging World Cup group, which includes France, Norway, and the winner of the Bolivia-Iraq playoff. The match against Peru provides a valuable opportunity for coach Aliou Cissé to assess his squad and fine-tune tactics before facing Les Bleus in June. For Senegal, the focus remains on proving their worth on the pitch, regardless of the administrative battles being fought elsewhere.
The controversy surrounding the CAN 2025 title has undoubtedly cast a shadow over Senegal’s preparations, but the team appears determined to apply the situation as motivation. The display of two stars on their jerseys is a clear statement of intent – a refusal to relinquish their claim to the championship and a symbol of their unwavering belief in their achievements. Whether this defiant stance will influence the outcome of the CAS proceedings remains to be seen, but it underscores the deep-seated passion and pride that fuels the Lions of Teranga.
The match against Peru is scheduled to kick off at 17:00 local time (15:00 UTC) at the Stade de France. Fans can follow live updates and analysis on RMC Sport. The game represents more than just a friendly; it’s a statement, a celebration, and a crucial step in Senegal’s journey towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Next up for Senegal is their highly anticipated World Cup opener against France on June 16th. The team will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement on the world stage, carrying the weight of their disputed title and the hopes of a nation.
What are your thoughts on the CAF decision and Senegal’s response? Share your opinions in the comments below!
