Senegal’s national football team returned to Dakar on Monday, 20 January 2026, to a rousing hero’s welcome after clinching the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title in Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga, crowned champions of Africa, landed late in the evening at Blaise Diagne International Airport, where they were greeted by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and a large crowd of supporters.
President Faye praised the team’s performance throughout the tournament, highlighting their focus, fair play, and determination to make the Senegalese people proud. “They did it heroically, they played beautiful football, they were incredibly fair, and they were exemplary both on and off the field,” he said, affirming the nation’s pride in their achievement.
Senegal secured the AFCON 2025 crown with a 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in a highly competitive final. The match was marked by intense moments, including instances where Senegal fans attempted to storm the pitch, and criticism aimed at some decisions during the game including an instance in which the Senegal players walked off the pitch in protest over a penalty call.
Despite controversy surrounding the final, celebrations in Dakar were jubilant. Supporters gathered in large numbers at the airport and throughout the city, waving Senegalese flags and expressing their pride in the national team. “We are here to celebrate our cup, the champions of Africa, to welcome the players… our African champion Sadio Mané and the entire Senegalese team,” said fan Bamba Sene, reflecting the festive mood among the crowd.
This victory marks Senegal’s second Africa Cup of Nations title their first came in 2022 when they defeated Egypt after a penalty shootout.
The triumphant return caps off a memorable tournament for the Teranga Lions and has sparked widespread national celebration in Senegal.
