Dakar erupts as Senegal celebrate AFCON win over Morocco amid refereeing rows | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, tens of thousands filled Dakar’s streets on Tuesday to celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph.

Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 after extra time on Sunday. The capital pulsed as fans in green shirts bearing Mané, Gueye and Mbaye names blew vuvuzelas and banged makeshift drums.

The parade swept north to south as supporters who had waited since morning turned pavements and bridges into stands. Fatou said she came to welcome champions and felt proud. When the bus arrived and the trophy was raised, Seynabou, 45, said it gave her chills.

Since Sunday, refereeing disputes have dominated street debates. Law student Ibrahima felt officials tried to take the cup, spoke of anger, yet said the team showed resilience and could come back from anything. He added that a stoppage at full time might have changed everything, praising Sadio Mané, the former Liverpool player, for urging team-mates back as others headed for the dressing room.

Moussa, 27, a moto-taxi driver, called Mané a legend on and off the pitch, said he finished with a win and is definitely Senegal’s greatest, perhaps Africa’s. Bamba said his attitude elevated him.

Some accepted the win was deserved. RTS pundit Mohamed Ghandour said Senegal were superior for discipline, depth and tactical intelligence, but felt refereeing lagged behind world-class organisation, stadiums and level of play. In Dakar the fervour endures, bringing relief in tense times, and young Amadou, stars painted on his cheeks, simply called football magic.

Source: L'Équipe