Senegal Declares Paid Holiday After Dramatic AFCON 2025 Triumph Over Morocco

Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a paid public holiday in celebration of the nation’s historic victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The announcement came shortly after the Teranga Lions were crowned African champions following a dramatic and highly controversial final against host nation Morocco. The Head of State said the holiday would allow citizens across the country to fully take part in commemorating what he described as a moment of profound national pride.

Speaking on national broadcaster RTS after the final whistle, President Faye called on Senegalese people to celebrate responsibly and in unity as the team prepares for a triumphant return home.

“Monday will be observed as a paid public holiday. The Senegalese people will celebrate, and we will properly welcome and congratulate our Lions,” he said.

The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, adding to their first triumph in Cameroon in 2022. This latest success further reinforces the country’s growing reputation as a dominant force in African football, built on consistency, discipline, and a talented generation of players who continue to deliver on the continental stage.

By involving the entire nation in the celebrations, President Faye sought to transform the football achievement into a broader symbol of unity and collective pride.

The gesture is widely viewed as a tribute to both the players and the technical staff, whose composure and resilience under pressure etched another memorable chapter in Senegal’s sporting history.

The final itself was tense and controversial, particularly during the closing moments of normal time. With the match still goalless, play was temporarily halted after Moroccan winger Brahim Diaz was awarded a stoppage-time penalty following a VAR review, a decision that sparked fierce protests from Senegalese players and fans.

Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded the penalty deep into added time after ruling that El Hadji Malick Diouf had fouled Diaz. Earlier, Senegal had already been frustrated by the disallowing of an Ismaila Sarr goal for a foul in the dying seconds, further heightening tensions.

Diaz stepped up to take the spot-kick but failed to convert, as Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy calmly saved a poorly executed Panenka attempt following a prolonged delay. The miss proved pivotal, swinging momentum firmly in Senegal’s favour.

The match proceeded to extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, where Senegal seized their opportunity. In the 94th minute, Gueye struck a decisive goal that stunned the home crowd of 66,526 Moroccan supporters and sealed the AFCON crown for the West African nation.

Scenes of jubilation erupted across Senegal as fans celebrated the dramatic triumph, prompting the President’s declaration of a national holiday as the country readies itself to give its AFCON champions a heroes’ welcome.