Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy at the Stade de France on Saturday before a 2-0 friendly win over Peru, in a defiant gesture after being stripped of the title earlier this month. Nicolas Jackson scored in the 41st minute and Ismaïla Sarr added a second in the 54th as Senegal won their first match since January's controversial final against Morocco.
An hour before kick-off, captain Kalidou Koulibaly and his teammates carried the trophy onto the pitch for a lap of honour, following a pre-match concert by Senegalese singer Youssou N'Dour. Senegal have launched a legal battle against the Confederation of African Football's decision to award the title to Morocco, who lost the final 1-0 but were granted a 3-0 victory by Caf's appeal board on 17 March after Senegal staged a 14-minute walk-off in protest at a penalty decision.
Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw insisted his side remain the true champions. 'We know we're African champions,' he said. 'Competitions and trophies are won on the pitch. We've done that.' Senegal have lodged an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Thiaw, who was heavily 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 in Madrid on Friday in their first match since the controversy. New coach Mohamed Ouahbi, who took over three months before the World Cup, said his team are focused on the future. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou added: 'We're looking forwards.' Morocco face Brazil in their World Cup opener on 13 June.
