The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions returned home to a hero’s welcome in Dakar on the evening of Monday, January 20, 2026, hours after a dramatic and chaotic final against hosts Morocco in Rabat.
The Teranga Lions’ triumph was sealed deep into extra time, but the match itself ended in controversy, with Senegal’s players briefly walking off the pitch in protest over a penalty decision late in second-half stoppage time.
Despite the tension, Senegal held their nerve and emerged victorious, confirming their status as Africa’s finest side.
On arrival at Blaise Diagne International Airport, the players and technical team were warmly received by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who hailed their performance and conduct throughout the tournament.
AFCON Champions Senegal honoured with hero’s reception at Presidential Palace
Outside the airport, thousands of fans dressed in the national colours 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.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal in extra time in a heated encounter.
Watch the video below:
𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐒 𝐈𝐒 𝐏𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐌𝐀𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/F3LfBjxpxT
— 433 (@433) January 20, 2026
FKA/JE
