Senegal’s national team on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy they have been instructed to return, ahead of their friendly match against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had, on 17 March, overturned Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final held in Rabat on 18 January, instead awarding a 3-0 win to the hosts.
Prior to kick-off, Senegal captain Kalidou Coulibaly led his teammates onto the pitch with the trophy for a lap of honour, following a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour.
Coulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy later presented the trophy in the presidential box, where Senegalese Football Federation president Abdoulaye Fall and other officials were seated.
The final had been marred by controversy after Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest when Morocco were awarded a late penalty during stoppage time.
Captain Sadio Mané persuaded his teammates to return, and after Brahim Díaz missed the penalty, Pape Gueye scored in extra time to secure what was initially a 1-0 win for Senegal.
However, CAF ruled that Senegal’s players had breached regulations by leaving the field without the referee’s permission.
In response, the Senegalese Football Federation lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday, as they continue efforts to retain the title.
An attendance of around 70,000 was expected for the match, with thousands of Senegalese supporters, alongside Peruvian fans, already present at the Stade de France as the players showcased the trophy.
Earlier in the day, nearly 200 Senegalese fans gathered near the Basilica of Saint-Denis before marching towards the stadium accompanied by traditional drumming.
The newly elected mayor of Saint-Denis, Bally Bagayoko, briefly joined the procession and welcomed the supporters.
“Welcome to Saint-Denis,” he said. “I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative.
“You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. We have often been discriminated against, often looked down upon.
“You are showing that you are capable, at such an important moment, of coming together. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.”
The match against Peru marks Senegal’s first outing since the AFCON final, as they begin preparations for the World Cup, where they have been drawn alongside France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.
Their squad for the fixture remains largely unchanged from the one that featured in the AFCON tournament.