‘Senegal are African champions’ – Peru coach Menezes

Peru national team coach Mano Menezes has maintained they are preparing to face African champions Senegal in their upcoming friendly match during the FIFA Intentional break.

The Lions of Teranga will come up against Peru at the neutral Stade de France on Saturday for a friendly affair in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in June.

📋 Voici la liste des 28 joueurs convoqués par le sélectionneur national Pape Thiaw pour les matchs amicaux du mois de mars 2026 : le 28/03 contre le Perou à Paris et le 31/03 contre la Gambie à Diamniadio. 📞🇸🇳 pic.twitter.com/8ix5Q5tct6

— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) March 19, 2026

The friendly comes after the decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and give it to Morocco, who Senegal had defeated 1-0 in the final played in Rabat.

“We are going to face African champions’

However, Menezes has stood by Senegal insisting they are still the Africans champions despite CAF’s decision because ‘football is always won on the pitch.’

“In the world of football, we always, always prefer to respect what happens on the pitch. And for us, we are going to face the African champions,” Menezez replied after being asked about CAF’s decision on the AFCON final as quoted by WiwSport.

On facing Senegal, he said: “I followed the Africa Cup of Nations closely as a scout for Brazil. We saw some great matches. It’s satisfying to be able to play against great teams like Senegal. But at the same time, there’s a bit of concern (laughs). We’re going to try to give our best.

“This is also an important match for Senegal as they prepare for the World Cup. Senegal qualified for the World Cup and won the Africa Cup of Nations with great merit.”

Peru to test themselves against best team

Menezez concluded: “This is the beginning of a new era for us. It’s an opportunity to measure ourselves against the best teams to see where we stand and where we want to go.”

On how Peru is prepared to face Senegal, he responded: “We had three high-level training sessions over three days. Our players have quality.

“They have the level to play for the national team. We’ve put strategies in place to face this Senegal team. Everything is going well. The players are adapting to our methods.”