Senegal plans to showcase the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy ahead of their friendly against Peru in Paris on Saturday, with the country’s Football Federation vowing a “crusade” against the decision to strip the team of the title, BBC Sport reports.
The Lions of Teranga initially secured their second AFCON crown on January 18, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The final ended in controversy when Senegalese players walked off the pitch following a stoppage-time penalty awarded to Morocco while the match was still goalless.
Last week, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) overturned the result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 victory. Senegal has appealed the decision, and on Tuesday, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) confirmed receipt of the appeal, promising a ruling “as swiftly as possible.”
“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,” FSF president Abdoulaye Fall said at a press conference in Paris. Shortly before his remarks, the FSF shared a schedule on social media for Saturday’s friendly at the Stade de France, which includes a trophy parade.
“Senegal will not bend the knee and will not compromise its values,” Fall added. “Our fight now transcends the football pitch.”
