Senegal’s football team paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in Paris on Saturday, showing it to fans despite the title being officially stripped and awarded to Morocco.

Ahead of their match against Peru at Stade de France, a pre-match concert took place, after which captain Kalidou Koulibaly led the team onto the pitch with the trophy. Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy carried it around the stadium with the squad and later placed it before the president of the Senegalese Football Association.

Senegal had originally won the AFCON final in January by defeating Morocco 1-0. However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) later awarded the title to Morocco, citing Senegal’s abandonment of the match in protest over a referee’s penalty decision. Senegal has refused to accept the ruling, describing it as “blatant administrative theft,” and has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Moroccan lawyers had issued formal warnings against displaying the trophy publicly, threatening legal action. Senegal ignored these warnings and went ahead with the parade.

After the trophy display, Senegal played Peru wearing two-star jerseys, commemorating their first African title in 2021 and the disputed January 2026 win. Senegal won the match 2-0, though key players Koulibaly, Sadio Mané, and Mendy remained on the bench and were not even listed as substitutes.
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