Dakar, Senegal – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has lauded Senegal's national football team, the Teranga Lions, following their victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco. The president greeted the team upon their arrival in Dakar on Monday night, celebrating their 1-0 extra-time win against the host nation in a final marred by controversy.

Despite the contentious nature of the match, President Faye praised the team's "exemplary conduct" throughout the tournament. Addressing the victorious delegation at Blaise Diagne International Airport, Faye stated, "You were determined to bring this cup home, and you did so heroically, playing beautiful football, with fair play and exemplary conduct, both on and off the field". He further emphasized that "this victory belongs to all the Senegalese people".

The AFCON final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was anything but straightforward. The game was temporarily halted when a late penalty was awarded to Morocco after a VAR review spotted a foul on Brahim Diaz. This decision sparked outrage among the Senegalese team, leading coach Pape Thiaw to instruct his players to leave the pitch in protest.

Star forward Sadio Mané intervened, urging his teammates to return and continue the match. After a delay of approximately 15 minutes, the game resumed, but Morocco's Diaz had his penalty saved by Edouard Mendy. The match then went into extra time, where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal for Senegal.

The controversial penalty decision was not the only point of contention during the final. Earlier in the match, a goal by Senegal's Ismaila Sarr was disallowed for a foul in the build-up, further fueling the team's frustration.

The Senegalese team's actions have drawn mixed reactions. Morocco's coach, Walid Regragui, described Senegal's walk-off as "shameful" and "not classy," suggesting it cast African football in a negative light. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also condemned "unacceptable scenes" involving some Senegal players after the game. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has indicated it will take appropriate action against those found guilty of misconduct. However, Thiaw later expressed regret for his decision to lead the team off the field.

Despite the controversy, Senegal is celebrating its second AFCON title in the nation's history. President Faye declared Monday a paid public holiday to allow all Senegalese to partake in the celebrations. A parade through Dakar and a reception at the presidential palace were scheduled for Tuesday to honor the team's achievement.

The victory has sparked immense national pride in Senegal, with newspapers hailing the team as "heroic" and the win as "unforgettable". The regional ECOWAS bloc also congratulated the team on its "remarkable victory," recognizing it as a moment of immense pride for West Africa.

Sadio Mané was named Player of the Tournament. The team is scheduled to meet with President Faye again following the celebratory parade.