Senegal return home to heroes’ welcome after dramatic AFCON 2025 triumph
Fresh from their dramatic Africa Cup of Nations victory, Senegal’s national team returned home to a rapturous reception, greeted as heroes by thousands of jubilant supporters in Dakar.
Images captured the Teranga Lions celebrating atop an open-top bus as they paraded through the capital on Tuesday, waving flags and trophies while fans lined the streets in celebration. The festivities continued at the presidential palace, where President Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally honoured the squad.
Senegal secured their second AFCON crown on Sunday in a chaotic and emotionally charged final against hosts Morocco. The match was decided in extra time when Pape Gueye unleashed a thunderous strike to seal victory — but the game’s defining moments came earlier amid controversy.
In the dying stages of regulation time, referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty for a foul on Brahim Diaz. Furious with the decision, Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw instructed his players to walk off the pitch in protest, causing a 17-minute delay.
When play eventually resumed, goalkeeper Edouard Mendy emerged as the hero, saving Diaz’s Panenka attempt. Senegal then regrouped and went on to clinch the title in extra time.
The celebrations in Dakar were matched by significant rewards. President Faye praised the players for honouring the nation and announced generous bonuses for the team.
“Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal,” Faye said. “When Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach.”
Each of the 28 players will receive 75 million CFA francs (around $135,000) and a 1,500-square-metre coastal plot of land. Members of the football federation and delegation were also granted financial bonuses and land allocations.
Veteran forward Sadio Mane played a key role in calming tensions during the penalty protest, urging teammates to return to the pitch.
“It would have been a shame and sad to see the match end like that,” Mane said. “African football has grown tremendously and is respected worldwide. Walking away would have sent the wrong message. I’d rather lose than damage the image of our game.”
Despite the celebrations, Senegal could still face disciplinary action. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed it is reviewing the incident and may impose sanctions.
For now, however, the focus remains on a historic triumph — one that has united a nation and etched the Teranga Lions’ names into African football history once again.