Senegal erupted in jubilant celebrations after their national football team secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Morocco in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday. The triumph marks Senegal’s first-ever AFCON title, sparking scenes of ecstasy across the West African nation and among Senegalese fans worldwide.
Senegal’s President Macky Sall has declared Monday a public holiday to allow the country to fully revel in the historic achievement. The final was a nerve-wracking affair, with a disallowed goal, players walking off the pitch, and a saved penalty adding to the intense drama in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.
In the capital Dakar, supporters gathered at an outdoor screen beneath the iconic African Renaissance Monument, experiencing the full rollercoaster of emotions as the match unfolded. One fan, Mohamed Diop, described the scenario as “divine, like a Netflix series – it’s crazy.”
The agony was palpable for Moroccan fans, both in the host nation and abroad. A fan park in the city of Salé saw heartbreak as Brahim Diaz’s penalty, which could have won Morocco their first AFCON title in 50 years, was saved. “Maybe next time,” one dejected Moroccan supporter told Reuters, “We have good players. Now we should get back to work so we can win in 2027.”
However, the joy in Dakar was uncontainable once Senegal scored the winner in extra time. “We really needed to win. This team showed me courage and seriousness. We gave everything we had. We really thank Sadio Mané, he gave us everything,” said supporter Modou Yacine Diop.
Senegalese fans celebrated in cities across the world, from Milan to Paris’ Château Rouge neighbourhood, known as “Little Africa.” In Madrid, supporters gathered in the Lavapíes district to watch the match, while in New York, a watch party hosted by the city’s mayor, Zohran Mamdani, saw Senegalese fans join the festivities.
This historic triumph is a testament to Senegal’s football prowess and the unwavering passion of their supporters. As the country revels in the glory of their first AFCON title, the future looks bright for Senegalese football on the global stage.
