Senegal Displays AFCON Trophy Amid Ongoing Dispute Over 2025 Final

Senegal placed their AFCON trophy on display before their international friendly against Peru in Paris. The team made this move while continuing to challenge a ruling that stripped them of the continental title. The decision to parade the silverware comes as the dispute over the dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final remains unresolved.

The controversy started during the final match between Senegal and Morocco national football team. The game ended under tense conditions. With the score still at 0 to 0 late in the match, officials awarded Morocco a penalty in stoppage time. Senegal’s players reacted immediately. They left the pitch in protest against the decision.

After about 17 minutes, the players returned to the field. Morocco stepped up to take the penalty but missed. Senegal then regained focus and pushed forward. The team scored the winning goal during extra time and celebrated what looked like a hard earned victory.

However, the situation changed quickly. The Moroccan Football Federation submitted an official appeal. The Confederation of African Football reviewed the incident and made a decisive ruling. Officials concluded that Senegal forfeited the match when players left the pitch. As a result, CAF awarded Morocco a 3 to 0 victory and declared them champions.

Meanwhile, Senegal refused to accept the decision. The team escalated the matter by filing an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The court is expected to deliver a ruling as quickly as possible. The final verdict will determine whether Senegal regains the title or if the revised outcome remains official.

Despite the uncertainty, Senegal made a bold statement before their friendly in Paris. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly led the team onto the pitch while carrying the AFCON trophy. His teammates followed him closely. Together, they completed a lap of honour in front of the crowd.

The gesture sent a clear message. Senegal still believes in their victory. The players showed pride in their performance, even though official records currently favour Morocco.

After the lap, Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy carried the trophy to the presidential section of the stadium. They placed it there in full view of spectators and officials. This action reinforced their position and highlighted their protest. Many observers saw the moment as both symbolic and defiant.

Furthermore, the match against Peru marked Senegal’s first appearance since the disputed final. The team used the friendly as preparation for the upcoming World Cup in June. Senegal faces a difficult group that includes France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq.

At the same time, the AFCON controversy continues to dominate discussions around the team. Players and fans remain deeply invested in the outcome. The public display of the trophy shows that Senegal has not moved on from the incident. Instead, the team continues to defend its claim with confidence.

In addition, the situation has drawn attention across the football world. Analysts and supporters continue to debate the fairness of the ruling. Many question whether leaving the pitch should result in such a severe penalty. Others support CAF’s strict interpretation of the rules.

For now, all eyes remain on the Court of Arbitration for Sport. The court’s decision will settle the dispute and provide clarity. It will also determine how history remembers one of the most controversial endings in recent African football.

Until then, Senegal continues to stand by its version of events. The team’s actions in Paris show determination, unity, and belief. The final outcome now rests in the hands of the sport’s highest legal authority.