Senegal are set to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of their international friendly against Peru in Paris on Saturday, despite being stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football.
The Lions of Teranga secured what was initially their second AFCON title on 18 January after defeating Morocco 1-0 following extra time. The final ended in chaotic scenes as Senegal players walked off the pitch after Morocco were awarded a stoppage time penalty with the match still goalless.
However, CAF last week overturned the result and awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory.
Senegal have since appealed the decision, with the Court of Arbitration for Sport confirming receipt of the case and stating it will rule “as swiftly as possible”.
Despite the ongoing legal battle, the Senegalese Football Federation has scheduled a trophy parade as part of events surrounding Saturday’s match at the Stade de France.
FSF president Abdoulaye Fall strongly criticised the decision, describing it as unjust.
“Faced with what amounts to the most blatant and unprecedented administrative robbery in the history of our sport, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) refuses to accept this as inevitable,” he said.
He added, “Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values. Our fight now transcends the football pitch.”
The move signals Senegal’s firm stance as they continue to challenge CAF’s ruling while maintaining their claim to the title.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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