Senegal players and coach were given state honors after winning AFCON title
The Senegalese players and head coach Pape Thiaw have been formally given state honors as they were elevated to the rank of Commander within the National Order of the Lion following their victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The official ceremony, held on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, carried strong national symbolism and was meant to motivate others to give their best when representing the nation at sporting events.
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye personally awarded coach Pape Thiaw and the players the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion in recognition of their excellence at the AFCON.
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The highest distinction was awarded to the President of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall, for his outstanding leadership that contributed to the team’s success.
The rank of Commander is the third highest class of the most prestigious order of merit in Senegal, awarded for exceptional civil or military services to the nation.
Following their dramatic 1–0 win over host nation Morocco in the 2025 AFCON final, the players were given a heroes’ welcome upon their return to the country.
Outside the airport, thousands of fans dressed in national colors gathered, waving Senegalese flags, sounding horns, and chanting as the champions made their way into the city.
The celebrations continued on Tuesday, January 20, with the two-time African champions parading the AFCON trophy through the streets of Dakar.
This signifies a clear path for the fans, who were thrilled with the achievement and showed massive support for the Teranga Lions.
SB/JE
Meanwhile, watch as Ghanaians celebrate Senegal’s AFCON triumph
