Senegalese President Bassirou Faye has announced Monday as a paid public holiday nationwide to mark the national football team’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The declaration comes after Senegal defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 in the AFCON final on Sunday in Rabat.
The President instructed that public sector employees be paid in full for the day, enabling citizens to join in the celebrations.
“This Monday will be considered a paid public holiday. Senegalese people will celebrate. Then we must welcome the Lions properly and congratulate them,” he said Sunday night.
He also promised a special reward to the new African champions, in recognition of their performance.
Senegal’s Teranga Lions clinched the title after midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing the country’s second AFCON championship.
The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, was marked by controversy, prolonged stoppages, and a brief walk-off by the Senegalese players following a late penalty awarded to Morocco after a VAR review.
Incensed by the decision, Senegal’s head coach, Pape Thiaw, led his players off the pitch in protest, prompting chaotic scenes, with security intervening to restore order.
After a delay, the Senegalese team returned. Morocco’s penalty was taken but saved by goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, sending the game into extra time.
Midfielder Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in the fourth minute of extra time to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title in four years.
