Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has praised the country’s national football team for their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s win came after a tense final against hosts Morocco on Sunday, which saw the Senegalese players briefly walk off the pitch in protest of a penalty decision. The team’s actions were widely criticized by football governing bodies, including FIFA and the Confederation of African Football, as well as Morocco’s soccer federation, which has called for disciplinary action.
Despite the controversy, President Faye hailed the team’s achievement, singling out player Sadio Mané for his role in calming his teammates and persuading them to return to the pitch. Mané’s actions were seen as crucial in preventing the match from being cancelled. Senegal went on to win the game 1-0 in extra time, securing their second AFCON title.
The team’s victory has been met with widespread celebration in Senegal, with thousands gathering in the capital city of Dakar to congratulate the players. Fans have also been celebrating outside of the country, with reports of festivities in neighboring countries such as Mauritania and Guinea. According to Senegal supporter Eugénie Vaz, the team’s win has garnered support from around the world, with many people rallying behind the team.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a premier international football tournament in Africa, featuring the best teams from the continent. Senegal’s win marks a significant achievement for the country’s football team, which has been working towards this goal for years. As the team basks in the glory of their victory, they will also face scrutiny over their actions during the final match. The incident has sparked debate about sportsmanship and discipline in football, with some calling for stricter penalties for teams that disrupt the flow of the game.
The victory parade, which took place in Dakar, was attended by thousands of fans, who cheered and chanted as the players made their way through the city. The celebration was a testament to the team’s popularity and the country’s passion for football. As Senegal looks to build on their success, they will face new challenges and opportunities in the world of international football. With their win, they have cemented their place as one of the top teams in Africa, and will look to continue their winning streak in future tournaments.