Senegal receive hero's welcome following dramatic AFCON triumph

Under-fire Africa Cup of Nations champions Senegal received a heroes’ welcome on their return home after clinching their second continental title at the recently concluded tournament in Morocco.

Despite the controversy that followed a dramatic final, thousands turned out to celebrate the Lions of Teranga’s triumph, with fireworks lighting up the skies of Dakar as a proud nation rejoiced in another historic moment.

On arrival, the team was welcomed by the country’s president, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, who hailed the players as heroes and praised their resilience after a gruelling contest that stretched into extra time, with little separating the two sides for over 120 minutes.

The final had carried added significance, with both Senegal and hosts Morocco chasing only their second AFCON crown, having each lifted the trophy just once before. That sense of history ensured tension was unavoidable, particularly with Morocco backed by a vocal home crowd.

Late drama only heightened the emotions. Senegal appeared to have found a decisive goal in the closing stages, only for it to be ruled out after Achraf Hakimi was judged to have been fouled in the build-up. From that moment, every subsequent decision was destined to be scrutinised.

The flashpoint arrived when Brahim Diaz was adjudged to have been fouled inside the box, resulting in a penalty and furious protests from Senegal players. What followed shocked many, as Senegal walked off the field in protest—a move that has since cast a shadow over their celebrations.

While the celebrations at home were unrelenting, investigations into the final are ongoing with both Caf and Fifa condemning some of the actions in the final. Particular attention has been placed on the role of head coach Pape Thiaw in calling his players off the pitch during the chaos.

With possible suspensions looming and the next major global event being the upcoming World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico there is hope that any sanctions will not be overly severe. 

That hope extends not only to Senegal for their walk-off but also to Morocco, who were far from innocent in some of the tactics employed during an increasingly volatile encounter.