David GOMBE
Senegal have paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy ahead of their friendly against Peru, despite being stripped of the title by the Confederation of African Football.
Senegal beat hosts Morocco in the final of the competition on 18 January in a final which ended in chaotic scenes when the Senegal players walked off the pitch after their opponents were awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the match goalless.
Senegal head coach, Pape Thiaw, said there was no doubt his side were African champions despite having the title taken away and that tournaments should be won on the pitch.
“We know we’re African champions. We’re going to keep working to win more trophies. It’s clear in our minds that competitions and trophies are won on the pitch. We’ve done that; we’re African champions,” Said Thiaw
The confederation have since declared Morocco as the winners, a decision that Senegal have appealed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Before being awarded victory against Senegal, Morocco had won the Afcon only once, in 1976. They drew 1-1 against Ecuador on Friday in a friendly in Madrid, in their first match since the final against Senegal.