Senegal will stage a symbolic show of defiance on Tuesday as they parade the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 trophy before home fans during an international friendly against Gambia at the Abdoulaye Wade Stadium.
According to the Senegalese Football Federation, the trophy presentation will form part of a full pre-match programme, with gates opening at 14:00, followed by a live show and ceremony. The official unveiling of the trophy is scheduled for 17:45, ahead of the 19:00 kick-off.
The move underscores Senegal’s continued rejection of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) ruling that stripped them of the AFCON 2025 title in favour of Morocco.
In a similar gesture over the weekend, the Teranga Lions showcased the trophy during a World Cup warm-up match against Peru at the Stade de France, further signalling their stance in the ongoing dispute.
The controversy stems from the chaotic AFCON final held on January 18 in Rabat, where Senegal briefly walked off the pitch in protest following a disputed penalty decision awarded to the hosts. The match later resumed, with Senegal securing a 1–0 victory after extra time.
However, CAF’s appeals board overturned the result on March 17, ruling that Senegal had forfeited the match and awarding Morocco a 3–0 win along with the title.
Senegal has strongly condemned the decision, describing it as “unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable,” and has since filed an appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in a bid to overturn the ruling.
Meanwhile, Morocco maintains that the matter has been settled and has called on Senegal to return the trophy. Senegal, however, has refused, with the dispute now set to be decided by CAS.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
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