Awards for the "Lions of Teranga" Team
Each player was presented with 75 million CFA francs (approximately 115,000 euros) and a plot of land measuring 1,500 m² on the prestigious Petit-Côte coastline, located south of the capital Dakar. President Bassirou Diomaye Faye emphasized the importance of these awards both in terms of sports and symbolically.
Awards for All Participants
Not only the players received generous prizes; officials of the Senegalese Football Federation and members of the national delegation were also awarded financial bonuses and plots of land. Additionally, the Ministry of Sports allocated 305 million CFA francs to highlight the significance of this triumph at an institutional level.
At the ceremonial event in the Presidential Palace, head coach Pape Tiago and the entire team were awarded the Order of the National Lion at the rank of Commanders — the highest award in Senegal for those who have made significant contributions to the country's history.
Celebrations in Dakar
Thousands of fans greeted their champions on the streets of the capital during a parade on an open-top bus. The players, including Sadio Mané, passed through iconic neighborhoods of the city where fans sang, danced, and played traditional drums. Earlier, the team was welcomed by President Faye at the airport, who praised the athletes for their "heroism" and "great play."
Epic AFCON Final
Senegal clinched the title with a tense 1-0 victory over Morocco in Rabat. In stoppage time, the team almost left the field after a controversial penalty, but Sadio Mané convinced his teammates to continue the match. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy successfully saved the penalty kick, and in extra time, Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal. This victory marked Senegal's second in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
