Senegal declares national holiday after dramatic AFCON 2025 final win over Morocco

Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a paid public holiday in celebration of the nation’s historic victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The announcement followed shortly after Senegal clinched their second continental title in a dramatic and controversial final against tournament hosts Morocco.

President Faye said the holiday would enable every Senegalese citizen to share in a moment he described as one of immense national pride.

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Speaking on national broadcaster RTS after the final whistle, the president called for unity as the country marked the achievement.

He said,

The triumph marks Senegal’s second AFCON crown, following their maiden success in Cameroon in 2022, further establishing the West African nation as a dominant force in African football and highlighting the strength of a golden generation that continues to deliver on the biggest stage.

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By immediately involving the entire population in the celebrations, President Faye sought to elevate the sporting achievement into a symbol of national cohesion and shared pride.

The gesture also acknowledges the resilience of the players and technical staff, who handled immense pressure to secure another chapter in Senegal’s sporting legacy.

The final itself was fraught with controversy. Morocco appeared to be handed a late chance to win the title when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded a stoppage-time penalty after a VAR review of a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

The decision sparked fierce protests from Senegalese players and supporters, who were already incensed by the earlier disallowing of Ismaila Sarr’s goal in added time.

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However, Diaz failed to capitalise on the opportunity, with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy comfortably saving a poorly executed Panenka attempt after a prolonged delay.

With the match still goalless, play moved into extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. Senegal seized control, and Pape Gueye struck decisively in the 94th minute to seal a 1–0 win, stunning a capacity home crowd of more than 66,000 and sending the nation into celebration.