According to state television, Senegal’s President has declared Monday a national holiday to mark the national football team’s maiden Africa Cup of Nations victory over Egypt.
At the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, Sadio Mane converted the game-winning penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory over Egypt on Sunday, denying Egypt a record-extending ninth continental title. The game remained goalless after extra time.
Macky Sall, who had planned to visit Comoros at the end of a trip that included Egypt and Ethiopia, canceled the final leg to greet the victorious Lions when they arrived in Dakar at 1pm GMT Monday, according to RTS public television.
AFCON final player ratings
SENEGAL RATINGS: Edouard Mendy 6 – Called into action against Salah late in first half but was caught in no man’s land with a cross in the second, fortunately seeing the ball headed wide. AFP
SENEGAL RATINGS: Edouard Mendy 6 – Called into action against Salah late in first half but was caught in no man’s land with a cross in the second, fortunately seeing the ball headed wide. AFP
After two previous final defeats in 2002 and 2019, Senegal finally claimed their first Cup of Nations title.
The Lions will be decorated by President Sall on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Dakar, RTS television said.
“The president of the republic declared Monday a public holiday, a paid day off, following the brilliant victory of the Lions,” RTS said, citing a presidential decree.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was due to fly to Abu Dhabi following the conclusion of Afcon to link up with Chelsea, who take on Al Hilal in the semi-finals of the Fifa Club World Cup on Wednesday.
The English club have not specified when Mendy is due in the UAE, and it remains to be seen whether he will take part in the celebrations in Dakar.
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