Provocation after title revocation?
Senegal celebrates Africa Cup of Nations at the Stade de France
March 28, 2026 – 8:09 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
Senegal’s footballers present the Africa Cup of Nations in front of thousands of fans in Paris – even though the continental association CAF has stripped the title. Association President Fall finds clear words for the CAF decision.
At the Stade de France in Paris, Senegal’s footballers presented the Africa Cup of Nations on a lap of honor and were celebrated by thousands of fans. The special thing: The continental association CAF had recently stripped Senegal of its title and subsequently declared Morocco the winner. The current action can be interpreted as a provocation by the professionals.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy presented the trophy to association president Abdoulaye Fall in the stands after the lap of honor. The Senegalese also presented the trophy in the dressing room. The performance was accompanied by a concert by a Senegalese artist. The team then won the international match against Peru 2-0. Bayern professional Nicolas Jackson took the lead in the 41st minute, Ismaila Sarr increased the lead in the 54th minute.
The plans for the cup presentation were announced on Thursday. At a press conference in Paris, association president Fall described the CAF decision as an “administrative robbery, the grossest in the history of our sport.” He announced: “Senegal refuses to take this for granted.” An association lawyer also explained that there was no decision requiring the return of medals or the trophy. The association also announced a corruption complaint against several people.
We need your consent to be included by our editorial team Instagram-View content. You can use this one (and all others as well). Instagram-Content on t-online.de) can be displayed and deactivated again with one click.
Background: Senegal won the Africa Cup final in January 1-0 after extra time. In the meantime, the team had left the field in protest against a referee’s decision. Ex-Bayern professional Sadio Mané brought his colleagues back. Morocco then missed a penalty and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal. Two months later, the CAF Court of Appeal deemed the game a forfeit due to leaving the pitch and upheld Morocco’s objection – result: 3-0 for the hosts. In the first instance, Senegal’s association was only sentenced to a fine.
The Senegalese association then lodged an objection with the International Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). CAS General Director Matthieu Reeb promised a speedy decision: “We understand that teams and fans are eagerly awaiting the final decision and we will ensure that the arbitration process is carried out as quickly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair trial.”
