Senegal Celebrate ‘Historic’ AFCON Victory With Parade and Presidential Praise

Senegal’s president has hailed the Lions of Teranga for their “historic” triumph in the Africa Cup of Nations, as tens of thousands of supporters flooded the streets of Dakar to celebrate the national team’s return home.

The players and coaching staff paraded the trophy on an open-top bus for more than seven hours, slowly making their way across the capital before arriving at the presidential palace at dusk. During the ceremony, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye commended the squad, saying they had “demonstrated exceptional fighting spirit, extraordinary resilience, and an iron will — qualities that make your victory historic.”

Downtown Dakar was a scene of pure celebration, filled with revving engines, horns, vuvuzelas and chants as the team made its way through the city. Supporters, particularly younger fans, lined the streets, waved flags, danced, and sometimes climbed onto cars, billboards and bridges to catch a glimpse of the victorious team.

Senegal secured the Africa Cup of Nations title with a 1-0 win over hosts Morocco in a dramatic final in Rabat on Sunday, which included a brief on-pitch protest from the champions in response to a late penalty decision. The team had returned to Senegal shortly before midnight on Monday, greeted by President Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and other government officials.

Fan Doudou Thiam told AFP from the Bourguiba neighbourhood: “I wouldn’t have missed this moment for the world. The Lions are our pride and they deserve all the honours.”

A Nation United in Celebration

The streets erupted in celebration, with honking, fireworks, and the constant roar of vuvuzelas. The victory marked Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their 2022 triumph over Egypt in Cameroon, and represented their third final appearance in the last four tournaments.

Hortense Kenny brought her five-year-old child to witness the parade in Patte d’Oie, where the procession began. “The Lions have made an entire nation proud, beating the host country under such circumstances,” she said. “Now, all that’s left is the World Cup. With Sadio Mané, anything is possible.”

Mané’s leadership during the final, particularly his role in persuading his teammates to return to the pitch during the protest, has been widely praised. President Faye highlighted his contribution, describing him as “a player who, through his talent and, above all, his sense of responsibility, left a lasting mark on this final and this competition.”

In recognition of their achievement, each player was awarded 75 million CFA francs (approximately $134,000) and a parcel of land along Senegal’s sought-after Petite Côte.

Controversy Overshadowed

The celebrations continued despite lingering controversy surrounding Senegal’s decision to briefly leave the pitch late in regulation time. Prompted by Mané, the team returned, and goalkeeper Pape Gueye preserved the win with a superb extra-time goal following Morocco’s missed penalty. The Moroccan Football Federation has reportedly referred the incident, alongside protests from Senegalese players and fans, to the Confederation of African Football and FIFA.

President Faye also praised Morocco, commending the country for “immense efforts in organising the tournament” and recognising their team’s “remarkable performance.”

Even the business side of football benefited from the victory, with local vendors capitalising on the celebrations. Amath Ndiaye, a street vendor, switched from selling tissues to jerseys, flags, vuvuzelas, and whistles for the duration of AFCON. “I’m doing well,” he told AFP, standing among the jubilant crowds in Patte d’Oie, decked out in Senegalese colours and waving flags.