Senegal Celebrates Second AFCON Title With 7-Hour Parade

The roar of vuvuzelas and honking horns filled Dakar for over seven hours as Senegal's football heroes rode through packed streets, their championship trophy gleaming from an open-top bus.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye welcomed the Lions of Teranga at the presidential palace Tuesday evening, praising their "exceptional fighting spirit" after their 1-0 victory over Morocco in Sunday's final. The win marked Senegal's second AFCON title in just four years, cementing their status as African football powerhouses.

Fans of all ages transformed the capital into a sea of green, yellow, and red. Young supporters ran alongside the team bus while others perched on buildings, bridges, and billboards to catch a glimpse of their heroes.

"I wouldn't have missed this moment for the world," said 26-year-old fan Doudou Thiam from the parade sidelines. "The Lions are our pride and they deserve all the honours."

Star player Sadio Mane earned special recognition for his leadership during a tense final that saw his team briefly walk off the pitch in protest of a penalty call. He convinced his teammates to return, and goalkeeper saves plus a stunning extra-time goal from Pape Gueye sealed the victory.

President Faye awarded each player 75 million CFA francs (about $134,000) and a parcel of land along Senegal's beautiful Petite Côte coastline. He singled out Mane for leaving his mark "through his talent but above all through his sense of responsibility."

The Ripple Effect

The celebration extended beyond football into everyday life across Dakar. Street vendor Amath Ndiaye switched from selling tissues to jerseys and flags during the tournament, a decision that paid off handsomely as patriotic gear flew off his hands.

Hortense Kenny brought her five-year-old to witness history in the working-class Patte d'Oie neighborhood. "The Lions made an entire nation proud," she said, already looking ahead: "Now, all that's left is to win the World Cup."

The victory united Senegalese across neighborhoods and generations, creating shared memories that will last far beyond the final whistle.