Senegal AFCON trophy dispute deepens as players parade title in Paris despite CAF ruling awarding it to Morocco

Players of the Senegal national football team on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France, defiantly asserting their claim to the title despite a ruling by Confederation of African Football stripping them of it earlier this month.

Also read: Senegal rejects controversial AFCON title reversal

Captain Kalidou Coulibaly led his teammates on a lap of honour before their international friendly against Peru, following a pre-match performance by legendary musician Youssou N’Dour.

The gesture comes amid an ongoing Senegal AFCON trophy dispute after CAF’s appeal board awarded Morocco national football team a 3-0 victory in the January final, overturning Senegal’s 1-0 win in Rabat.

CAF cited a 14-minute walk-off by Senegal players in protest against a late penalty decision as grounds for the reversal.

Senegal have since filed an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, although Moroccan officials have maintained that the matter is settled.

Head coach Pape Thiaw insisted his team remains the rightful champion, emphasising that titles should be decided on the pitch.

“We know we’re African champions. Competitions and trophies are won on the pitch,” Thiaw said, in a firm and defiant stance that reflects the squad’s resolve.

Despite facing sanctions over the walk-off incident, Thiaw said his focus remains on preparing the team for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.

Meanwhile, Morocco played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in Madrid in their first match since the ruling, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou downplaying the controversy and urging focus on future fixtures.

Also read: Senegal rejects CAF ruling, to appeal Morocco AFCON 2025 win

The symbolic trophy parade underscores the deepening rift between the competing claims, as Senegal continue to challenge the decision while maintaining unity within the squad.