Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France on Saturday, defying the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip them of the title. The gesture came before a 2-0 friendly win over Peru, with Nicolas Jackson and Ismaïla Sarr scoring.
The Senegalese team, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly, performed a lap of honour with the trophy after a pre-match concert by singer Youssou N'Dour. The display follows Caf's appeal board awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory in the January final after Senegal staged a 14-minute walk-off in protest against a penalty decision.
Senegal have launched a legal battle with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Coach Pape Thiaw insisted: 'We know we're African champions. Tournaments should be won on the pitch.' Thiaw, who was punished for his role in the walk-off, will lead Senegal at the World Cup in June.
Morocco, meanwhile, drew 1-1 with Ecuador in a friendly on Friday, their first match since being awarded the title. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou said the team is focused on the future, not the controversy. Morocco face Brazil in their World Cup opener on 13 June.
