The Stade de France in Saint-Denis was awash with color, energy, and controversy on March 28, 2026, as Senegal faced Peru in a high-profile international friendly. This wasn’t just any warm-up match—this was Senegal’s first appearance since the tumultuous aftermath of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), a tournament whose final outcome remains fiercely disputed. The air crackled with both anticipation and defiance as Senegal’s players, led by captain Kalidou Koulibaly and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, paraded the AFCON trophy around the pitch before kickoff, drawing thunderous applause from a near-capacity crowd of 70,000. The message was unmistakable: in their eyes, and those of their supporters, they are still champions.
Senegal’s path to this moment has been anything but straightforward. Back in January, the Lions of Teranga appeared to have clinched their second continental crown, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 in extra time thanks to a decisive goal by Pape Gueye. However, the final was marred by controversy when Senegal walked off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision, resulting in a 14-minute delay. Though Morocco missed the resulting penalty, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) would later overturn the result entirely. In a stunning development, CAF’s appeals panel awarded Morocco a 3-0 win by default, stripping Senegal of the title. Senegal appealed the decision to both CAF and the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), and the nation’s government even called for an independent international inquiry, alleging corruption and demanding transparency.
Despite the unresolved dispute, the mood in Paris was anything but somber. The Senegalese Football Federation seized the opportunity to present the contested AFCON trophy to the large Senegalese diaspora in France, turning the pre-match festivities into a celebration of unity and pride. The prelude included a lap of honor with the trophy, with Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy placing it in the stadium’s presidential box, and a stirring performance by Senegalese music legend Youssou N’Dour. As Bally Bagayoko, the mayor of Saint-Denis, welcomed the crowd, he declared, “You are the pride of the residents of working-class neighborhoods. Today, Africa is united. Everyone behind Senegal.”
On the pitch, Senegal’s starting lineup reflected both continuity and adaptation. With Iliman Ndiaye ruled out due to injury the day before, Ismaila Sarr, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Bayern Munich’s Nicolas Jackson formed a dynamic attacking trio. The midfield was anchored by Idrissa Gana Gueye, Lamine Camara, and Pape Gueye, while the defense featured Mamadou Sarr, Moussa Niakhate, Ismail Jakobs, and Krepin Diatta, with Mory Diaw between the posts. Peru, managed by Mano Menezes, countered with a lineup featuring Pedro Gallese in goal, defenders Marcos López, Alfonso Barco, Miguel Araujo, and Oliver Sonne, a midfield led by Yoshimar Yotun, Erick Noriega, and Andre Carrillo, and a front line of Kenji Cabrera, Alex Valera, and Jairo Velez.
Senegal, playing in a newly designed strip emblazoned with two stars to signify their AFCON successes in 2021 and the contested 2025 title, started brightly. The team’s intent to put the off-field drama behind them was clear from the opening whistle. The match, broadcast in the United States on Fox Deportes and in Senegal on RTS1, kicked off at 5 p.m. local time (16:00 GMT), with fans on both continents eagerly watching the drama unfold.
It didn’t take long for Senegal to assert themselves. With 60.1% possession and a crisp passing rhythm that yielded a 91.3% completion rate, the Lions of Teranga dictated play for much of the first half. Their breakthrough came in the 41st minute, when teenage sensation Ibrahima Mbaye surged down the right wing, beating two defenders before cutting the ball back for Nicolas Jackson. The Bayern Munich striker made no mistake, slotting home to give Senegal a deserved lead and send the crowd into raptures. Reuters described Jackson’s finish as “an easy put-away after a storming run down the right wing by Senegal’s teenage starlet Ibrahima Mbaye.”
Peru, for their part, struggled to find rhythm, managing just 39.9% possession and only two shots on target all evening. Their defense, marshaled by Gallese and the back four, faced relentless pressure as Senegal pressed for a second. The South Americans, who failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup after finishing 9th in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, showed flashes of attacking intent but were largely contained by Senegal’s disciplined shape and aggressive pressing.
The second half began with Senegal looking to build on their advantage, and they didn’t have to wait long. In the 54th minute, a ricocheted ball fell kindly to Ismaila Sarr just inside the box. Sarr, showing both strength and composure, powered past two defenders before firing low into the net for Senegal’s second goal. The stadium erupted, and the sense of vindication among the Senegalese contingent was palpable. “We know we’re African champions,” coach Pape Bouna Thiaw had declared before the match, and his players seemed determined to prove him right on the field.
Senegal’s dominance was further reflected in the statistics: 12 shots (six on target), 20 touches inside Peru’s box, and seven corners. Defensively, they remained solid, with Mory Diaw called into action for just two saves. The midfield trio controlled the tempo, while the attacking line—deprived of Sadio Mane—showed that the team’s future remains bright with talents like Jackson and Mbaye stepping up.
Peru, meanwhile, will be left to reflect on a tough night in Paris. Despite recent form that included a 2-0 friendly win over Bolivia, they were unable to match Senegal’s intensity or creativity. Their best opportunity came when they hit the woodwork, but otherwise, the South Americans found clear chances hard to come by. The match ended with both teams receiving a yellow card apiece, but there was little in the way of controversy on the field—a welcome change given the backdrop.
As the final whistle blew, Senegal’s 2-0 victory was met with jubilation by players and fans alike. The result offered a measure of solace and momentum as the Lions of Teranga prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they’ve been drawn into a group with France, Norway, and either Bolivia or Iraq. For coach Thiaw and his squad, the evening was about more than just football—it was a statement of resilience, unity, and defiance in the face of adversity.
While the legal and political battle over the 2025 AFCON title continues—potentially for another year—Senegal’s players and fans have shown that their pride and identity remain unshaken. Next up, the team heads home to Dakar for a clash with neighbors Gambia, where another trophy celebration is expected. For now, at least, the Lions of Teranga have given their supporters reason to roar once again.