Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a paid public holiday nationwide to celebrate the country’s victory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The announcement follows Senegal’s dramatic 1–0 extra-time win over host nation Morocco in the final on Sunday, January 18, in Rabat.
The Head of State directed that public sector workers receive a fully paid day off to join national celebrations.
The final was marred by controversy when a contentious penalty was awarded to Morocco deep into stoppage time, prompting Senegal players to temporarily walk off the pitch. After a prolonged delay, Moroccan forward Brahim Diaz missed the penalty, sending the match to extra time where Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal.
Football governing bodies FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have condemned the “unacceptable scenes” during the match. CAF stated it is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to disciplinary bodies for action against those found guilty.
The Senegalese national team, the Teranga Lions, secured their second AFCON title, sparking jubilation across the country.
