Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph was formally sealed at the highest level of the state as President Bassirou Diomaye Faye hailed the Lions of Teranga for what he described as an historic display of resilience and collective spirit.
Hours after returning from Morocco, the newly crowned African champions were welcomed by vast crowds in Dakar following a seven-hour procession through the capital.
The team’s open-top bus journey cut across both affluent districts and working-class neighbourhoods, drawing scenes of celebration that reflected the scale of the achievement.
Thousands gathered near the presidential palace, where an official ceremony had been prepared to honour a victory that has resonated across the country.
At the Palace, President Faye, flanked by senior members of his government, addressed the players and coaching staff in a solemn reception that went beyond the sporting result.
In a symbolic gesture, the head of state awarded the entire delegation the National Order of the Lion, Senegal’s highest national honour, elevating the team’s success into the nation’s institutional history.
The president’s address formed the centrepiece of the evening. Paying tribute to the character shown throughout the tournament, he underlined the mental strength required to overcome adversity, particularly in a demanding final.
” You have shown exceptional sporting fighting spirit, extraordinary resilience and a steely mentality, and that is why your victory is historic in view of the emotions and trials endured throughout this competition, particularly during the final of this AFCON ,” he said.
His words echoed the broader narrative of Senegal’s campaign, which was marked by persistence and composure under pressure.
The government’s decision to transform the team’s homecoming into a state occasion was a deliberate signal that the achievement extends beyond football.
Officials emphasised that the honours were not merely a reward for winning a trophy, but recognition of the example set by the players in representing the country.
By celebrating the squad within the walls of the Palace, the authorities sought to frame the AFCON success as a moment of national cohesion and shared pride.
The reception also highlighted the enduring place of football in Senegalese society.
From spontaneous street celebrations to the formal recognition by the presidency, the triumph has united supporters across generations and social backgrounds.
As the festivities drew to a close, the message from the country’s leadership was clear: this AFCON title is more than a sporting milestone.
It stands as a symbol of determination, unity and ambition, reinforcing Senegal’s status at the summit of African football and offering a powerful source of inspiration for the nation.
