Senegal parade AFCON trophy ahead of Peru friendly despite being stripped of title

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on 17 March reversed Senegal's 1-0 final win against Morocco in Rabat on 18 January and granted a 3-0 win to the home side.

Saturday saw Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly along with his fellow players entering the field carrying the AFCON trophy for a celebratory lap following a pre-game show by Senegalese music icon Youssou Ndour.

Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy approached the stadium's VIP area to position the trophy before Abdoulaye Fall, head of the Senegalese Football Federation, and other dignitaries.

Chaos erupted in the AFCON final as Senegal's squad exited the pitch in objection after officials granted the hosts a spot-kick deep into added time of the second half.

The team was persuaded to return by skipper Sadio Mane. Morocco's Brahim Diaz then failed to convert the penalty, allowing Pape Gueye to net the decisive goal during extra time for Senegal's 1-0 triumph.

CAF determined that Senegal's athletes violated regulations by departing the playing area without authorisation from the match official.

The Senegalese Football Federation submitted a challenge to the CAF verdict at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) on Wednesday and remains committed to retaining the championship.

A turnout of 70,000 fans was anticipated for the fixture scheduled at 17:00 CET on Saturday. Numerous Senegalese backers, mixed with a few Peruvian enthusiasts, had already filled sections of the Stade de France when the team displayed their trophy.

Prior to kick-off, around 200 Senegal fans assembled outside the adjacent Basilica of Saint-Denis before heading to the Stade de France amid rhythmic beats from traditional drums and instruments.

Bally Bagayoko, recently appointed mayor of Saint-Denis, momentarily participated in the march.

"Greetings to Saint-Denis," the mayor declared. "I wished to express gratitude to all involved in this splendid event.

"You embody the honour of those in modest districts. Discrimination and disdain have frequently targeted us.

"Yet you demonstrate your ability to unite during this crucial time. Today, Africa stands as one. All support Senegal."

This exhibition match versus Peru marked the Lions of Teranga's initial outing post the Africa Cup of Nations decider.

The side is gearing up for the World Cup, drawn into a pool featuring France, Norway, and whichever of Bolivia or Iraq qualifies.

The lineup for Saturday closely mirrored the group that participated in the Africa Cup of Nations.