Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a public holiday after the national team won the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating tournament hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final on Sunday.
A disallowed goal, players walking off the pitch, and a saved penalty all contributed to a tense atmosphere during the match held in Rabat. Fans gathered in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, at the African Renaissance Monument to witness the game on an outdoor screen.
As the match unfolded, supporters were on edge, especially when Moroccan player Brahim Diaz stepped up to take a crucial penalty. His miss, followed by Senegal's goal in extra time, ignited wild celebrations across the nation.
What just happened is divine... a scenario as if it were a Netflix series is crazy, fan Mohamed Diop remarked following the exhilarating match.
Supporters took to the streets, cheering passionately for their team. In Paris’ Château Rouge neighborhood, dubbed 'Little Africa', and in other cities like Milan and New York, Senegalese fans marked the occasion with joyful festivities.
On the other side of the coin, Moroccan fans expressed their disappointment, particularly those watching the game in Sale and Eindhoven. Despite their feelings of heartbreak, some remained optimistic for future tournaments, hoping for a better outcome in 2027.
In Dakar, once the final whistle blew, the celebrations escalated. Supporters highlighted their team's courage and determination, expressing gratitude to players, especially Sadio Mané, who have contributed to this victorious moment.
