Thousands of jubilant fans filled the streets of Dakar on Tuesday as Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions began a celebratory parade through the capital, culminating at the presidential palace.
The procession marks the official homecoming of the Senegalese national team after their 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in Sunday’s final in Rabat, secured by Pape Gueye’s extra-time strike.
Fans of all ages flocked to Patte d’Oie, a working-class neighbourhood serving as the parade’s starting point, waving national flags, wearing team jerseys, and sounding vuvuzelas. Traffic came to a standstill as the crowd chanted and cheered, with some spectators watching from buildings and bridges along the route.
The players arrived in Dakar shortly before midnight Monday on a special flight from Morocco, greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and other government officials.
From Patte d’Oie, the team’s route will pass through both working-class and upscale neighbourhoods, including the iconic Corniche seafront, before reaching the presidential palace in the late afternoon or evening for an official reception.
The city has been festooned with national colours, and vuvuzelas could be heard blaring even in areas far from the parade route. Newspapers reflected the national mood, with Le Soleil declaring “Heroic!” and L’Observateur calling the triumph “Unforgettable.”
The victory marks Senegal’s second AFCON title, following their 2022 triumph over Egypt in Cameroon, and their third final appearance in the last four editions.
Fans expressed immense pride in the team’s achievement. Hortense Kenny brought her five-year-old child to Patte d’Oie, saying: “The Lions made an entire nation proud, beating the host country under those circumstances. Now, all that’s left is to win the World Cup. With Sadio Mane, anything is possible.”
Abdulai Sy, 49, described the win as deeply emotional: “I feel very, very happy. It gives me a big sense of pride to also be Senegalese.”
The parade took place amid lingering debate over the final’s dramatic ending. Morocco were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of regulation time after a VAR check for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. Senegal’s players temporarily walked off the pitch in protest, and some fans clashed with Moroccan security. Diaz ultimately missed the spot-kick, and Senegal scored in extra time to claim the title.
The Moroccan Football Association has referred the incidents to CAF and FIFA, though fans in Dakar appeared undeterred, celebrating their team’s historic win.
The victory has also boosted local businesses, with street vendors like Amath Ndiaye switching from selling everyday items to jerseys, flags, and vuvuzelas. “I’m doing well,” Ndiaye said, standing amid a sea of patriotic colours and cheering fans.
Senegal’s triumphant return highlights both the passion of the nation for football and the enduring pride of the team’s supporters, as the country basks in the glow of continental glory.
