Senegal's forward #10 Sadio Mane holds up the trophy as he celebrates with his teammates after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) final football match against Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 18, 2026. (Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP)
In honor of Senegal’s win in the Africa Cup of Nations, Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has formally declared Wednesday a paid public holiday nationwide.
This decision came after the Senegalese national football team, known as the “Teranga Lions,” defeated Morocco, the host country, in the AFCON 2025 final on Sunday, January 18, 2026, in Rabat.
In order to allow the country to enjoy the triumph, the Head of State announced a day off and full salary for public sector employees, according to AFP.
Senegal won the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat last night, defeating hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time. The game was tainted by controversy, lengthy stoppages, and players leaving the field for a short while.
Senegalese players protested after Morocco was granted a controversial penalty after a VAR review, which ended the thrilling final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium late in regulation time.
Play was stopped for several minutes after the penalty, which was given well into stoppage time, caused riotous scenes as Senegal players surrounded the referee.
“Unacceptable Scene”
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA, the organizations that oversee football, have denounced the “unacceptable scenes” that spoiled yesterday’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Rabat. CAF has promised to take “appropriate action” against those found culpable.
Late in regular time, the AFCON final between Senegal and the hosts Morocco was interrupted when referee Jean Jacques Mdala gave Morocco a penalty after a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz, leaving the score tied at zero.
The majority of Senegal players left the field in protest, while fights between some Senegalese supporters and Moroccan security guards erupted in the stands.
In a statement released today, CAF denounced the actions of certain players and officials but refrained from blaming either club.
The organization stated that it is looking over all of the evidence that is available and will forward the issue to its disciplinary committees.
According to their statement, “The Confederation Africaine de Football (CAF) condemns the unacceptable behavior from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat last night.”
“Any inappropriate behavior that takes place during a match is highly condemned by CAF, particularly when it targets the refereeing team or the match organizers.
“CAF is examining all of the footage and will forward the case to the appropriate authorities so that those found guilty can face the consequences.”
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