Senegal celebrates AFCON win despite Morocco receiving official title

Senegal Parades AFCON Trophy Ahead of Friendly Against Peru at Stade de France

The Senegalese national team has paraded the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy at the Stade de France in Paris, ahead of a friendly match against Peru. The ceremony took place on Saturday, with Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates participating in a lap of honor around the pitch.

The event was preceded by a pre-match concert by Senegalese superstar Youssou N’Dour. After the concert, Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy visited the presidential box at the stadium to place the trophy there in front of Abdoulaye Fall, the president of the Senegalese Football Federation.

Earlier on Saturday, Morocco declared that the case for the AFCON title had been closed, following a ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that awarded the title to Morocco. The decision was made after an appeals panel overturned Senegal’s 1-0 win in the final, which was marred by controversy.

Senegal has announced plans to take its own appeal back to CAF and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which could take a year to resolve. The Senegalese government has also called for an independent international inquiry into CAF’s decision, citing allegations of corruption.

The friendly match against Peru is scheduled to take place later on Saturday, with thousands of Senegalese supporters and Peruvian fans already in attendance at the Stade de France.

Source: Al Jazeera