Senegal will “always feel like African champions” despite the controversial decision to strip them of their title.
Earlier this month, Morocco were retrospectively awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title.
January’s final was marred in controversy, with Senegal’s players leaving the field late on in normal time after hosts Morocco were awarded a contentious penalty.
Senegal eventually returned to the pitch, with Brahim Diaz missing the spot-kick and Pape Gueye scoring a stunning winner in extra time.
Yet two months later, a CAF appeals board elected to award Morocco a 3-0 victory, stating that Senegal had forfeited the match.
Senegal have taken an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but on Saturday they nevertheless showed their defiance by parading the trophy at the Stade de France, where they beat Peru 2-0 in a friendly.
“Presenting the trophy was a source of pride for us,” said Senegal winger Krepin Diatta, as quoted by BFM RMC Sport.
“[The fans] came to celebrate with us, they came to support their team. They came and showed us once again the pride of being Senegalese. For us, it was also a pleasure. It galvanised us to see this match through to the end and win it.
“As you’ve seen, the group is doing very, very well, despite the decision that was made.
Back in action today!
Idrissa Gana Gueye captained Senegal to a 2-0 win over Peru in Paris. pic.twitter.com/dRVkeYIokh
— Everton (@Everton) March 28, 2026
“But we will always feel like African champions; no one can take that away from us. The whole world saw that Senegal had a very, very good tournament; our objective was to win this continental trophy. Now, today, we are proud to see our fans here celebrating with us, especially after this victory.”
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy added: “I don’t see why it should be up to Senegal to take a step to fix anything. We went to Morocco and won that trophy one January evening.
“Then, another battle was fought on a different field, one that wasn’t ours. So, I don’t see why Senegal, when it’s only focused on Senegal, should take a step to fix things.”
Nicolas Jackson and Ismaila Sarr scored Senegal’s goals in a dominant display against Peru.
Senegal finished with chances worth 1.98 expected goals to Peru’s 0.43, with Jackson registering an impressive four shots, hitting the target three times.
They face Gambia on Tuesday.
