Senegal has erupted in nationwide celebration after clinching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, prompting President Bassirou Diomaye Faye to declare Monday a paid public holiday in honour of the historic achievement.
The announcement came shortly after Senegal secured a dramatic and controversial 1–0 victory over tournament hosts Morocco in a tense final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The win delivered Senegal’s second AFCON crown, further cementing the country’s status as a dominant force in African football.
In a televised address on national broadcaster RTS following the final whistle, President Faye said the holiday would allow every Senegalese citizen to fully participate in the celebrations and share in what he described as a moment of immense national pride.
“This Monday will be considered a paid public holiday. Senegalese people will celebrate. Then we must welcome the Lions properly and congratulate them,” the president said, calling for unity and collective pride across the nation.
Senegal’s triumph marks their second AFCON title, following their maiden success in Cameroon in 2022. The latest victory reinforces the reputation of a golden generation of Senegalese footballers who continue to deliver on the continental stage under intense pressure.
By immediately involving the entire population in the celebrations, President Faye elevated the sporting success into a symbol of national cohesion, resilience, and shared identity. The gesture also acknowledged the dedication of the players and technical staff, whose composure and determination proved decisive in a fiercely contested final.
The match itself was laden with controversy and drama. Morocco appeared poised for a late breakthrough when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked furious protests from Senegalese players and supporters, who were already aggrieved after Ismaila Sarr’s goal was disallowed in added time.
Tensions inside the stadium escalated as the penalty decision was debated for several minutes. However, Morocco failed to capitalise on the opportunity. Diaz attempted a Panenka-style penalty, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy calmly saved the effort, sending Senegalese fans into raptures and silencing the home crowd.
With the score still goalless at the end of regulation time, the match proceeded into extra time. Senegal, buoyed by their late reprieve, seized control of the contest. In the 94th minute, midfielder Pape Gueye delivered the decisive moment, firing home the winning goal to stun the capacity crowd of more than 66,000 spectators.
Gueye’s strike proved enough to secure victory and crown Senegal champions once again, triggering scenes of jubilation across the country and among Senegalese communities worldwide. The midfielder later described the win as fuelled by a sense of “injustice” following the controversial decisions during the match.
The victory not only adds another chapter to Senegal’s footballing legacy but also underscores the nation’s mental strength and tactical discipline in high-pressure situations. For Morocco, the defeat was a bitter blow on home soil, while Senegal celebrated a triumph forged through resilience and belief.
As the Lions of Teranga prepare to return home, nationwide celebrations are expected to continue throughout the public holiday, with the team set to receive a hero’s welcome. For Senegal, the 2025 AFCON victory stands as both a sporting milestone and a unifying national moment that will be remembered for generations.
