Senegal’s long wait for continental glory was met with an explosion of celebration late Sunday as the national team edged Morocco 1-0 to capture the Africa Cup of Nations title.
In Dakar, the final whistle unleashed scenes of jubilation. Fireworks cracked overhead, car horns echoed through major streets and crowds flooded public spaces, wrapped in green, yellow and red, waving flags and dancing deep into the night.
“Our team has shown that it is the best in Africa,” said Pape Ndiaye, a young supporter celebrating in Parcelles Assainies, a working-class district of the capital. “It’s a well-deserved victory. The Lions fought like true lions,” he added, invoking the team’s nickname, the Teranga Lions.
The celebrations followed a tense and often volatile final played in Rabat, where Senegal overcame the host nation in extra time. Midfielder Pape Gueye delivered the decisive goal, sealing a dramatic win in a match marked by controversy and frayed tempers.
The encounter was repeatedly disrupted, with security struggling to control supporters attempting to enter the pitch. At another point, Senegal’s players briefly left the field in protest over a disputed penalty decision during stoppage time in the second half, adding to the pressure of an already charged contest.
“The Senegalese team showed its strength and why it is the best team in Africa,” said Mamadou Alpha Diallo, a 26-year-old education student. “The team showed maturity in a difficult match. The referee played with our emotions. We were stressed and exhausted, but Senegal persevered.”
Sunday’s triumph marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title. The team’s first came in 2021, when it defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout to lift the trophy.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed the nation on public television, hailing the victory as a moment of collective pride.
“The joy is indescribable,” he said. “We experienced a whole range of emotions. We saw men on the field. Patriots fighting for our honor. This is a victory for the lions, first and foremost, for the coaching staff, and for the entire Senegalese people.”
Faye announced financial bonuses for the players and declared Monday a public holiday, giving the country time to savor the moment.
As night turned into morning, the celebrations showed no sign of slowing. Hundreds of young people gathered at Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, determined to extend the festivities.
“I’m not sleeping tonight, and we’re going to celebrate until the early hours. No Senegalese person will sleep tonight,” said Sidy Sylla, a Ph.D student in an AP report. “With the World Cup coming up, the world needs to know that Senegal is no longer a small team; it’s a team to be feared.”
