President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday, January 19, 2026, a paid public holiday across Senegal to celebrate the national football team’s dramatic victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final.
The announcement came late Sunday following the Teranga Lions’ 1–0 win over hosts Morocco in Rabat, a result that sparked jubilant scenes nationwide.
In his televised address on national broadcaster RTS, Faye described the triumph as a moment of “immense national pride” and urged citizens to mark the occasion with unity and dignity.
The paid holiday is intended to allow Senegalese people from all walks of life to participate in festivities and to properly honour the players and technical staff.
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The final was decided by Pape Gueye’s extra-time goal, following heroic saves by goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, including a crucial stop on a late Moroccan penalty.
Senegal’s protest over the controversial penalty award sparked dramatic scenes, but the Lions ultimately prevailed to secure their second AFCON title.
Across Dakar and other cities, millions flooded the streets – dancing, singing and waving flags – as fireworks lit the night sky, demonstrating football’s power to unite the nation.
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