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 held on Sunday.
A disallowed goal, players walking off the pitch, and a saved penalty made the final a tense spectacle in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.
In Senegal's capital, Dakar, eager supporters gathered around an outdoor screen at the foot of the colossal African Renaissance Monument, with palpable excitement as the match ensued. The atmosphere was so charged that some fans found it too intense to watch.
The moment Morocco's Brahim Diaz stepped up for a penalty that could have secured victory for the host nation was a nerve-wracking experience for Senegal supporters. However, with Diaz's miss and Senegal's subsequent goal in extra time, exuberance erupted in Dakar.
What just happened is divine... a scenario as if it were a Netflix series; it's crazy, remarked fan Mohamed Diop to Reuters.
For many Moroccan fans, including those in cities like Sale and Eindhoven, the loss was devastating. One supporter reflected, We have good players, and we need to get back to work so we can win in 2027. The emotional rollercoaster of the match had its bracing highs and lows, deeply felt by fans on either side.
As celebrations erupted in Dakar, supporters marched through the streets in their team's colors, with many expressing gratitude for the players who fought valiantly for their nation. Dakar's vibrancy mirrored the jubilant atmosphere shared by Senegalese communities worldwide, extending from markets in Milan to festive watch parties in Paris and New York.
In conclusion, Senegal's victory not only brought joy to its citizens but also united fans abroad, illustrating the power of sports to engage and inspire a shared sense of pride.
