Senegal Declare Public Holiday as AFCON Final Fallout Deepens in Rabat

Senegal woke up to a nationwide paid public holiday on Monday after President Bassirou
Diomaye Faye hailed the country’s AFCON triumph as a “historic victory for national pride”
following their dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over hosts Morocco.
Celebrations in Dakar contrasted sharply with the tension in Rabat, where Senegal coach Pape
Bouna Thiaw walked out of his post-match press conference after being loudly booed by
Moroccan journalists.
Thiaw had been expected to explain Senegal’s protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco,
a decision that led to his players briefly leaving the pitch before returning.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy then saved Brahim Diaz’s penalty, paving the way for Pape Gueye’s
extra-time winner.
The scenes drew a furious reaction from Morocco coach Walid Regragui, who described the
stoppages as “shameful” and damaging to the image of African football.
“The image we gave was not very classy with the world watching,” Regragui said. “That penalty
could have won us the title, but football can be cruel. We must look forward now.”
Morocco’s 50-year wait for a second AFCON title continues, while Senegal’s golden era rolls
on.