Senegal was stripped of the AFCON title weeks after winning it in a controversial final against Morocco. The final, held in January, saw Senegal claim victory, but the aftermath has been tumultuous. Following a protest by Senegal’s players regarding a penalty awarded to Morocco during the match, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory and the title.
In response to this decision, Senegal lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Senegalese government has also called for an independent inquiry into CAF’s ruling, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
Despite the controversy, Senegal paraded the AFCON trophy in a recent friendly match against Peru at Stade de France in Paris, where a crowd of 70,000 was expected. Senegal won the match 2-0, with Nicolas Jackson scoring the first goal and Ismaila Sarr adding a second.
This friendly marked Senegal’s first match since the Africa Cup of Nations final, showcasing their resilience amid the ongoing turmoil. Pape Gueye, who scored during the final, was also a notable player in the friendly.
Bally Bagayoko, a prominent figure, expressed solidarity with the Senegalese team, stating, “Welcome to Saint-Denis. I wanted to thank everyone who organised this wonderful initiative. You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighbourhoods. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.” His words resonate with the sentiments of many supporters.
Looking ahead, Senegal’s next match is a home friendly against Gambia, as they continue to navigate the challenges posed by the CAF’s decision. Observers anticipate that Senegal will persist in their appeal with both CAF and CAS, seeking justice for their players and fans.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the timeline for the appeal process, but the situation remains a focal point for Senegalese football.