Teranga Lions Afcon Victory celebrations swept across Dakar as Senegal’s national team returned home late on 19 January with the Africa Cup of Nations trophy.
The streets of the capital turned into a sea of green, yellow, and red as the team touched down at Blaise Diagne International Airport, where thousands of jubilant supporters gathered for an emotional welcome led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly presented the gleaming trophy to the president in a moment that symbolised national unity and pride. The celebrations started from the airport, then spilled into the streets, with football enthusiasts following the team deep into the night. The team finally arrived their hotel around 2.10am, still surrounded by ecstatic fans who showed no signs of tiring.
President Faye had declared a national holiday, praising the team for an “epic match that raised Senegal’s colours to the top of African football.” Sports fans across the capital, Dakar, converged on the African Renaissance Monument as the focal point of the celebrations, with traditional dances, songs, and impromptu street parties transforming the city into one massive celebration.
Social media amplified the euphoria. Videos of the airport reception spread rapidly, with users remarking that “the celebration truly begins with the people.” Senegalese football legend El Hadji Diouf was seen celebrating alongside supporters, while international music star Akon gave Sadio Mané a personal hero’s welcome.
The joy followed a dramatic and controversial triumph. On 18 January, Senegal secured their second AFCON title with a 1–0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco national football team at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah. The win came four years after their first title in 2022, further cementing Senegal’s status among Africa’s football elite.
The final itself was tense and finely balanced. After 90 goalless minutes, Senegal controlled possession while Morocco threatened on the counter. Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou produced a series of outstanding saves, as Morocco missed several clear chances of their own.
The match descended into turmoil late in stoppage time. Senegal thought they had taken the lead when Ismaila Sarr headed home, only for referee Jean-Jacques Ndala to disallow the goal for a foul. Moments later, VAR awarded Morocco a penalty for an incident involving Brahim Díaz.
Tempers flared. Senegal’s players briefly walked off in protest, fans entered the pitch, and clashes broke out before security restored order. After a lengthy delay, play resumed, and Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy emerged as a decisive figure, saving Díaz’s attempted Panenka penalty to keep his side alive.
The breakthrough came early in extra time. Pape Gueye dashed forward to meet a pass from Idrissa Gana Gueye and struck a left-footed effort into the top corner. Morocco came close to an equaliser late on when Nayef Aguerd hit the crossbar, but Senegal held on to secure the victory.
The chaotic scenes drew criticism. Gianni Infantino described the incidents as “unacceptable,” while Morocco signalled its intention to pursue legal action over the match’s handling. Senegal coach Pape Thiaw later acknowledged that officiating errors had affected both teams.
Mané, named the tournament’s most valuable player, urged calm and focus, insisting the team’s achievement should not be overshadowed. His leadership and experience played a key role in Senegal’s campaign.
For Morocco, the defeat was deeply painful. It extended their wait for a second AFCON title to half a century, their last triumph dating back to 1976.
In Dakar, however, the controversy quickly faded into the background. Senegal had conquered Africa once again. Pape Gueye’s thunderous strike, Mendy’s defining penalty save, and Koulibaly’s leadership as captain are already etched into national memory.
As celebrations across the country show no sign of ending, the message is unmistakable: the Lions of Teranga have roared yet again, and Senegal is still dancing.
