Senegal defiantly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy to their supporters on Saturday, before going on to beat Peru 2-0 in their World Cup warm-up game at the Stade de France in Paris, France.
The Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board awarded Morocco the AFCON title after Senegal had staged a 14-minute walk off during the final in Rabat, a decision that Senegal is contesting at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
An hour before kick off in Paris on Saturday, Senegal’s players and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw walked around the pitch with the trophy to a delirious reception from a near-capacity crowd as they continue to defy the CAF decision.
Four minutes before halftime, Nicolas Jackson had an easy tap-in for the first goal after a brilliant piece of wing play by Senegal’s teenage starlet Ibrahima Mbaye.
In the 54th minute, Ismaila Sarr extended Senegal’s lead after latching onto a ricocheted ball that fell perfectly into his path, but had to power past two defenders before scoring the second goal to secure the win.
Senegal will now head home to play neighbours Gambia in Dakar on Tuesday, where they are expected to again brandish the golden trophy in front of their home support.
Senegal are among the nine African countries who will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US starting in June.