Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday, January 19, 2026, a paid public holiday to celebrate Senegal’s historic triumph at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The “Lions of Teranga” reclaimed their status as the kings of African football after a dramatic, high-octane final against the host nation, Morocco.

The victory secures Senegal’s second continental star, adding to their maiden 2022 title and cementing this generation’s place as a true footballing dynasty.

The path to glory was anything but smooth.

In a match that will be remembered for its tactical intensity and late-game chaos, the scoreboard remained deadlocked until deep into stoppage time.

The stadium in Morocco nearly reached a breaking point in the 24th minute of added time when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, following a lengthy VAR review, awarded the hosts a penalty for a challenge on Brahim Diaz.

The decision sparked a firestorm of protests from the Senegalese bench and temporarily halted play.

However, in a display of the “Teranga” spirit, the Lions maintained their composure through the controversy to eventually overpower the Atlas Lions and silence the home crowd.

Addressing the nation on the state broadcaster RTS, President Faye hailed the victory as a victory for every Senegalese citizen.

By declaring a national holiday, the President sought to transform the sporting achievement into a moment of collective national healing and pride.

“This Monday will be a paid public holiday. The Senegalese people will celebrate, and then we must welcome the Lions properly and congratulate them,” President Faye announced.

“They have shown the world our resilience and dignity.”

Senegal’s 2025 success is a testament to the country’s long-term investment in its youth academies and coaching structures.

Under the leadership of their technical bench, the team navigated a grueling tournament to prove that their 2022 victory was no fluke.