Senegal declares public holiday after AFCON victory

Senegal has declared Monday a paid public holiday to celebrate the national football team’s historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 victory over Morocco.

President Bassirou Diomaye Faye said all public sector workers will receive full salaries to allow citizens to join the celebrations.

The Teranga Lions defeated host nation Morocco 1-0 after extra time at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, in a tense match marked by controversy and interruptions.

The game was briefly halted late in regulation after referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review, sparking protests from Senegal players who walked off the pitch in protest. Clashes also erupted in the stands between Senegalese fans and Moroccan security personnel.

FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemned the “unacceptable scenes” during the final and said they would take appropriate disciplinary action against those found guilty.

Despite the chaos, Senegal lifted the trophy, with forward Sadio Mane celebrating alongside his teammates, capping a memorable AFCON campaign for the West African nation.