Dakar in Jubilation After Continental Triumph of the Lions of Teranga

Dakar, Tuesday, January 20, 2026 — The Senegalese capital vibrated to the rhythm of the historic victory of the Lions of Teranga, crowned African champions after their 1-0 success against Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final. In Dakar, the joy of the supporters was expressed with fervor, emotion, and an impressive popular mobilization, from the final whistle until the national team's return home.

On Monday evening, hundreds of supporters gathered around Blaise-Diagne International Airport to welcome their champions, who arrived shortly before midnight on a special flight from Morocco, several hours behind schedule. Despite the wait, enthusiasm never waned.

National flags in hand, chants, honking, and dances accompanied the players' arrival, greeted by the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, and several government members.

Throughout the city and its outskirts, the celebration had already begun much earlier. For the second consecutive evening, Dakar transformed into a vast open-air celebration space. Fireworks, firecrackers, vuvuzelas, and impromptu concerts resonated late into the night. On foot, by motorcycle, or by car, supporters invaded the main thoroughfares, proudly displaying the green, yellow, and red colors.

This victory, achieved at the end of a high-tension final, intensified the celebration. The match, marked by disputed referee decisions and a long moment of confusion during which the Senegalese players left the field for several minutes, kept the public on edge until the very end. This tense scenario only amplified the relief and explosion of joy at the final whistle.

The festivities are set to continue this Tuesday with a large popular parade scheduled from 11 AM in the streets of Dakar. The players will parade before thousands of supporters before being received at the presidential palace at the end of the day. For many Senegalese, this triumph goes beyond the sporting realm: it symbolizes national unity, collective pride, and the reward for years of waiting and passion for football.

In Dakar, the Lions of Teranga offered much more than a trophy: an unforgettable moment of national communion.

Jean Wesley Pierre / Le Relief