Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a public holiday after the national team won the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final held in Rabat. The match featured a disallowed goal, players walking off the pitch, and a tense penalty moment that encapsulated the excitement and pressure of the game.
In Senegal's capital, Dakar, fans gathered at outdoor screenings by the iconic African Renaissance Monument, celebrating their team’s victory. The moment Morocco's Brahim Diaz missed a penalty—one that could have given the Moroccan team their first national trophy in 50 years—was met with disbelief in Senegal but elation as Senegal secured the win in extra time.
Fan Mohamed Diop expressed his joy by stating, What just happened is divine... a scenario as if it were a Netflix series is crazy. Meanwhile, Moroccan fans shared their disappointment, particularly those in the Moroccan cities and abroad, as they coped with a missed opportunity to secure a long-awaited title.
Throughout the world, Senegalese supporters celebrated, lighting up cities like Milan, Paris, and New York with their colors and cheers. In Paris, known as Little Africa, jubilation echoed as supporters waved flags and sang songs. A watch party hosted by New York's Mayor Zohran Mamdani saw vibrant festivities as fans convened in support of their national pride.
Reflecting on the match, a Moroccan fan remarked, Maybe next time. We have good players. Now we should get back to work so we can win in 2027. The contrasting emotions from Senegalese and Moroccan fans underscore the passion for football as a unifying force in Africa.
