Senegal’s capital turned into a sea of green, yellow and red late Monday night as the country’s Africa Cup of Nations champions landed back in Dakar, welcomed like national heroes by jubilant crowds and state officials.
The Teranga Lions’ return marked the end of an intense continental campaign that captivated the nation and reinforced Senegal’s growing stature in African football. At Blaise Diagne International Airport, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye greeted the players, saluting their commitment, discipline and collective spirit during the tournament.
For many Senegalese, the team’s journey went beyond football. Their performances symbolized resilience, focus and national unity at a time when the country, like much of the continent, faces social and political challenges. The president praised the players for embodying these values and for representing Senegal with dignity throughout the competition.
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Senegal secured the title with a narrow 1–0 win over Morocco in a tense final that tested both teams’ composure. The match was briefly overshadowed by crowd unrest and a disputed refereeing decision, moments that sparked debate across Africa. Yet for supporters back home, those controversies faded quickly, replaced by pride and celebration.
As the team arrived in Dakar, fans flooded the airport and surrounding streets, singing, dancing and waving flags. Chants echoed long into the night as supporters celebrated a squad they believe has written another defining chapter in the country’s sporting history.
“This team gave us joy and dignity,” said one fan among the crowd. “They fought for the badge, for the country, and they brought Africa’s biggest trophy back home.” The victory represents Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title, following their historic win in 2022. Together, these triumphs have cemented the Teranga Lions as one of the dominant forces in modern African football and have set new expectations for future generations.
