Senegal flaunt stripped AFCON title with dominant win over Peru in France

Senegal staged a defiant act of protest on the international stage Saturday, parading the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy before a commanding 2-0 friendly victory over Peru, despite being officially stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) just weeks prior.

The atmosphere in Saint-Denis was charged with political tension as captain Kalidou Koulibaly led the Teranga Lions on a lap of honor with the silverware following a pre-match concert by Youssou N’Dour.

The display served as a public rejection of CAF’s March 17 ruling, which overturned Senegal’s 1-0 win against Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final, awarding Morocco a 3-0 technical victory after Senegal staged an over 15-minute walk-off to protest a late penalty.

The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), labeling the disqualification “administrative robbery,” proceeded with the parade and wore shirts featuring a “second star” despite reported legal warnings from Morocco to stadium operators.

Senegal dominated from the whistle, fueled by a partisan crowd of nearly 80,000. Nicolas Jackson broke the deadlock in the 41st minute, clinical finishing a cross from 18-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye.

The lead was nearly doubled before the break when Jackson’s powerful header was tipped over the bar by Peruvian goalkeeper Pedro Gallese.

Ismaïla Sarr eventually doubled the advantage in the 54th minute, capitalizing on a defensive lapse to seal the win. Senegal’s midfield, anchored by Lamine Camara and Pape Gueye, stifled a Peruvian side that struggled to register a shot on target.

While veteran Yoshimar Yotún earned several set-pieces for Peru, the South Americans lacked the clinical edge to penetrate a resolute backline led by Koulibaly.

Despite the absence of the injured Sadio Mané, the Teranga Lions appeared a cohesive unit determined to prove their continental superiority.

The football world now awaits a ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) to decide if Senegal’s parade remains a final act of defiance or a celebration of a restored crown.