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Senegal president announces public holiday following AFCON win
Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a national holiday after the country's football team clinched the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco in a dramatic final on Sunday.
A tense final in Rabat
The match in Morocco's capital, Rabat, was filled with high stakes and near-misses. A disallowed goal, players briefly walking off the pitch, and a saved penalty heightened the tension throughout the night.
Morocco's Brahim Diaz faced a critical moment when he stepped up to take a penalty that could have secured his country's first AFCON title in 50 years. His miss, followed by Senegal's extra-time goal, sealed the victory for the Lions of Teranga.
Celebrations erupt in Dakar
In Senegal's capital, Dakar, jubilant fans gathered at an outdoor screen near the African Renaissance Monument, where emotions ran high as the match unfolded. Supporter Mohamed Diop described the victory as "divine," comparing the dramatic turn of events to a Netflix series.
"What just happened is divine... a scenario as if it were a Netflix series is crazy."
Mohamed Diop, Senegal fan
Once the final whistle blew, celebrations erupted across the city. Modou Yacine Diop, another supporter, praised the team's courage and dedication, singling out star player Sadio Mané for his leadership.
Morocco's heartbreak and resolve
While Senegal celebrated, Moroccan fans grappled with disappointment. In the city of Sale, near Rabat, one supporter told Reuters, "Maybe next time. We have good players. Now we should get back to work so we can win in 2027."
Similar scenes played out among Moroccan fans in Eindhoven, Netherlands, where the penalty miss left many in shock.
Global celebrations for Senegal
Senegalese communities worldwide joined the festivities. In Milan, Italy, fans took to the streets, while in Paris, celebrations centered in the Château Rouge district, often called "Little Africa."
In Madrid, Spain, supporters gathered in restaurants in the Lavapiés neighborhood, and in New York, a watch party hosted by city council member Zohran Mamdani drew a crowd of enthusiastic fans.
What's next for Senegal
With the AFCON trophy secured, Senegal's focus will shift to maintaining its momentum in international football. The victory marks a historic moment for the nation, uniting fans both at home and abroad.
