Senegal Declares Public Holiday After AFCON Victory

Senegalese President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, has declared Monday a paid public holiday nationwide to celebrate the country’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

The announcement followed Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 win over host nation Morocco in Sunday’s AFCON final, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.

The President approved a day off for public sector workers with full pay, allowing citizens across the country to join in nationwide celebrations of the historic achievement.

The Teranga Lions clinched the title after extra time, sealing victory late on Sunday night in a tense encounter that was overshadowed by controversy, prolonged stoppages, and disruptions on and off the pitch.

The final was interrupted late in regulation time after the referee awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, with the score still goalless. The decision sparked strong protests from Senegalese players, who surrounded the referee, halting play for several minutes. Some players briefly left the pitch amid the confusion.

Despite the upheaval, Senegal regrouped and scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing the AFCON title on Moroccan soil.

Meanwhile, global football bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the scenes that marred the final, describing them as “unacceptable.” CAF, in a statement issued on Monday, said it would take appropriate disciplinary action after reviewing all available footage from the match.

“The Confederation Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat,” the statement read.

CAF added that any conduct targeting match officials or organisers would not be tolerated, noting that the incident has been referred to its disciplinary bodies for further action.

The final also witnessed clashes in the stands involving some Senegalese supporters and Moroccan security personnel, further heightening tensions on a night meant to celebrate African football.