Senegal national football team paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy on Saturday before a friendly match against Peru, despite being stripped of the title earlier this month.

The Confederation of African Football had awarded the 2025 AFCON title to Morocco national football team after overturning the result of January’s final. Senegal had initially won 1-0, but the match was later ruled a 3-0 forfeit in Morocco’s favour following a protest that saw Senegalese players leave the pitch after a stoppage-time penalty decision.

Ahead of the friendly at the Stade de France, captain Kalidou Koulibaly led the team in a lap of honour with the trophy, joined by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who later placed it in the stadium’s presidential box. The ceremony also featured a performance by Youssou N’Dour.

Senegal have filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which has confirmed receipt of the case and is expected to deliver a ruling.

Head coach Pape Thiaw maintained that his side remain the rightful champions.

“We know we are African champions. Trophies are won on the pitch, and we did that,” he said, urging his players to remain focused despite the controversy.

Meanwhile, Morocco played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador national football team in a separate friendly, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou stating that the team is focused on future matches rather than the dispute.

The fixture marked Senegal’s first outing since the controversial final and forms part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup, where they are set to face France national football team, Norway national football team, and either Bolivia national football team or Iraq national football team in the group stage.