Senegal’s national team on Saturday paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru at the Stade de France in Paris, in a bold show of defiance following the recent stripping of their title.

Led by captain Kalidou Coulibaly, the players took part in a lap of honour with the trophy after a pre-match performance by Senegalese music icon Youssou N’Dour.

The controversy stems from a decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) on March 17 to award Morocco a 3-0 victory over Senegal in the January final, overturning the original 1-0 result recorded in Rabat. CAF cited a 14-minute walk-off by Senegal’s players, staged in protest against a penalty decision, as the basis for its ruling.

Senegal have since challenged the decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, while Morocco have maintained that the matter is closed.

Head coach Pape Thiaw, speaking publicly for the first time since CAF’s appeal board ruling, insisted his team still considers itself the rightful champion of Africa.

“We know we’re African champions. Competitions are won on the pitch, and we’ve done that,” Thiaw said, reaffirming his squad’s belief in their victory.

Despite facing sanctions over his role in the walk-off incident, Thiaw stressed his focus remains on keeping the team united and undistracted as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the 2026 World Cup.

“The most important thing is not to get distracted,” he added.

Morocco, on their part, appear keen to move on from the dispute. The North African side played out a 1-1 draw with Ecuador in a friendly in Madrid on Friday, marking the debut of new head coach Mohamed Ouahbi.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou dismissed further discussion of the controversy, emphasising the team’s focus on future challenges.

“We’re looking forward, not back,” he said.

With Morocco set to co-host the 2026 World Cup, attention has shifted toward preparations for the global tournament, even as the AFCON controversy continues to generate debate across African football.