Awards for the "Lions of Teranga"
Each player of the national team was allocated 75 million CFA francs (approximately 115,000 euros) and a plot of land measuring 1,500 m² on the prestigious Petit-Côte coast, located south of Dakar. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the importance of these awards in both a sporting and social context.
Awards for Everyone
In addition to the players, financial bonuses and land plots were also awarded to officials of the Senegal Football Federation and members of the national delegation. The Ministry of Sports allocated an additional 305 million CFA francs, highlighting the significance of the victory for the entire country.
At the official ceremony at the Presidential Palace, the team, including head coach Papa Tiav, was awarded the Order of the National Lion in the rank of Commanders — the highest state award of Senegal, given to those who have made a significant contribution to the history of the country.
Celebratory Events in Dakar
Thousands of fans greeted their champions on the streets of the capital during a parade on an open-top bus. The players, including Sadio Mané, passed by iconic locations in the city as fans sang, danced, and played traditional drums. Earlier, President Faye welcomed the team at the airport, highlighting the "heroism" of the players and their "beautiful football".
Significant Victory at AFCON
Senegal became the champion after a tense match against Morocco, which ended 1-0 in Rabat. In stoppage time, the team almost left the field due to a controversial penalty, but Sadio Mané convinced them to continue playing. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved the penalty, and Papa Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time. This victory marked Senegal's second in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
