DAKAR, Senegal — President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a paid public holiday to celebrate Senegal’s dramatic 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory, calling it a moment of “immense national pride.”
The announcement followed Senegal’s tense 1-0 triumph over hosts Morocco in a final overshadowed by controversy. Speaking on national broadcaster RTS, Faye urged citizens to mark the occasion with unity and dignity.
“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, referring to the national football team.
Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy for the second time, having previously won in Cameroon in 2022. The victory reinforces the nation’s reputation as a powerhouse in African football, highlighting a generation of players delivering sustained continental success.
The Senegalese government’s move to declare a national holiday reflects an effort to turn the sporting achievement into a symbol of national unity. The gesture also pays tribute to the team and technical staff, whose composure under intense pressure secured the historic win.
The final itself was fiercely contested. Morocco was awarded a stoppage-time penalty with the score still goalless following a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz by El Hadji Malick Diouf.
The decision sparked protests from Senegalese players and fans, who questioned the timing and legitimacy of the call.
Diaz stepped up for the penalty but failed to convert, with Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saving the attempt comfortably. Earlier, Senegal had a goal by Ismaila Sarr disallowed for a foul in the second minute of added time, further fuelling tension.
The match went into extra time, and Senegal capitalised on the momentum shift. Idrissa Gueye scored in the 94th minute, sealing the victory in front of 66,526 Moroccan supporters at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Back home, the win sparked nationwide celebrations, prompting the President’s holiday declaration. Senegalese fans are expected to give the AFCON champions a heroes’ welcome, cementing the triumph as a defining moment in the country’s sporting history.