Senegal celebrate Africa Cup of Nations title with historic parade in Dakar | OneFootball

Tens of thousands of Senegal fans filled the streets of Dakar this Tuesday, as the Lions of Teranga began a victory parade to celebrate their triumph in the African Cup of Nations final against Morocco.

Players and the coaching staff displayed the trophy on an open-top bus that moved slowly through the crowd. Thousands gathered at the starting point of the parade in the popular Patte d’Oie neighborhood, wearing team jerseys, singing, whistling, and blowing vuvuzelas.

Popular Celebration

Men and women, young and old, followed the route, some on the streets and others in buildings and on bridges. Many ran alongside the bus, while others climbed onto cars and billboards for a better view. Security forces were also present in large numbers.

The players arrived in Dakar on a special flight from Morocco shortly before midnight on Monday, being welcomed by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and other government members.

See also:

All news from Gazeta Esportiva Gazeta Esportiva YouTube Channel Follow Gazeta Esportiva on Instagram

Historic Victory

Senegal won the final by beating the hosts 1-0 in Rabat on Sunday, in a chaotic match that saw the champions leave the field in protest.

The parade passed through both popular and upscale neighborhoods, going along the iconic Corniche, up to the official reception in front of the Presidential Palace.

Since Sunday, the noise of whistles and vuvuzelas has not stopped. Fireworks and car horns have taken over the city. The victory marked Senegal's second title, following their win over Egypt in 2022, and it was their third final in four editions.

Fans like Hortense Kenny celebrated with pride: “The Lions have made an entire nation proud. Now we just need to win the World Cup. With Sadio Mané, anything is possible.”

Mané was praised for his role as a peacemaker, convincing his teammates to return to the field after the protest.

Controversy in the Final

Despite the celebration, the victory was surrounded by controversy. The Senegalese team left the field in protest against a penalty awarded to Morocco. After returning, the goalkeeper saved Brahim Diaz's penalty kick, and Pape Gueye decided the game in extra time. The Moroccan Federation reported that they have referred the incidents to CAF and FIFA.

The celebration also boosted commerce. Vendor Amath Ndiaye, 36, switched from selling scarves to jerseys, flags, and vuvuzelas during the tournament and celebrated: “I'm doing well,” he said, surrounded by the crowd in Patte d’Oie.

By AFP

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.