Stade Rennais manager, Habib Beye, who has Senegalese root has reflected on the Taranga Lions success at the recently concluded 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Senegal narrowly defeated Morocco in a chaotic final held at the Prince Moulay Stadium last Sunday, courtesy Pape Gueye’s strike after extra-time.
At a press conference, Beye delivered a glowing assessment of Senegal’s success, highlighting both their dominance over Morocco in the final and the overwhelming celebrations that erupted back home in Dakar.
For Beye, the scenes of joy across the country perfectly captured the magnitude of what the team had achieved.
“There is great joy because I saw exceptional images in my country of the fervour surrounding this trophy and the fact that we are double African champions. From the moment the match resumed, I think that, on the pitch and based solely on Senegal’s performance on the pitch, the victory was deserved. I think we were superior in our play throughout the competition and in this final. The scenario is crazy in terms of emotion, the goal is sumptuous,” commented the former Senegalese international.
Beyond the tactical and technical superiority he observed, Beye’s reaction was also deeply personal. A finalist with Senegal at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations, he spoke with pride about seeing familiar faces reach the pinnacle of African football, particularly former teammates who played a role in this historic success.
‘I am proud to witness the success of people with whom I shared part of my history, such as Pape Thiaw, with whom I played in the national team.’
Beye also acknowledged that the final in Rabat was not without controversy. He referenced the incidents that marred parts of the occasion, making it clear that while they should not be overlooked, they remain part of the broader narrative of a high-stakes and emotionally charged final.
‘A lot happened. We didn’t like some of the images, we can’t condone them, but they were part of that final.’
In the end, for Habib Beye, Senegal’s second consecutive AFCON title was not just about lifting a trophy. It was about collective excellence, emotional resilience, and a nation united in celebration, a triumph he believes was fully earned on the pitch.
