In a spirited display at the Stade de France on Saturday, Senegal proudly paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy to their fans before securing a 2-0 victory over Peru in a World Cup warm-up match. Nicolas Jackson opened the scoring four minutes before halftime, followed by Ismaila Sarr’s goal in the 54th minute, marking Senegal’s first win since their controversial January Afcon final against Morocco.
Earlier this month, the Confederation of African Football’s Appeal Board awarded the Cup of Nations title to Morocco after Senegal staged a 14-minute walk-off during the final in Rabat. Senegal is currently challenging this ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Demonstrating defiance, Senegal’s players and coach Pape Bouna Thiaw took a lap around the pitch with the trophy an hour before kickoff, receiving an enthusiastic response from a near-capacity crowd. Thiaw had confidently stated on Friday, “we know we’re African champions,” and the team sported a new kit adorned with two stars above their badge, symbolizing their 2021 and 2023 Afcon successes.
Jackson’s goal came after a powerful run down the right flank by teenage sensation Ibrahima Mbaye, who stepped up in the absence of Sadio Mane. Sarr’s second goal resulted from a well-timed rebound, which he skillfully converted after evading two defenders.
Meanwhile, Ivory Coast also recorded a commanding 4-0 win against South Korea at Stadium MK, north of London. Like Senegal, the Ivorians are among the nine African nations set to compete in the World Cup across Canada, Mexico, and the U.S. starting in June. Evann Guessand scored the opener in the 35th minute, assisted by debutant Martial Godo, who later netted the third goal from a corner rebound in the 62nd minute. Simon Adingra, returning to the squad after missing the recent Afcon, added a second goal just before halftime. Defender Wilfried Singo sealed the victory with a side-footed finish in the final moments.
The Ivorians will next face Scotland at Everton’s Hillsborough Stadium in Liverpool, while Senegal returns home to Dakar to play neighboring Gambia on Tuesday, where they are expected to once again display the golden trophy before their home fans.
