Senegal secured their second Africa Cup of Nations title with a narrow and controversial win over Morocco in the final and returned home to discover their rewards
Senegal’s victorious squad have returned home as heroes after the Africa Cup of Nations to discover major rewards waiting for them. The squad went on an open-top bus parade of the capital Dakar on Tuesday before President Bassirou Diomaye Faye addressed them.
The Teranga Lions clinched AFCON in a chaotic match against hosts Morocco on Sunday thanks to Pape Gueye’s rocket in extra-time. But that does little to tell the story after Morocco star Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka penalty saved following a protest against the decision by the Senegal team.
Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a spot-kick in the dying moments for a foul by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz. Head coach Pape Thiaw ordered his side to leave the pitch in protest and only returned after a 17-minute delay. Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s weak effort and they went on to clinch their second title.
Thousands of fans flooded the streets of Dakar on Tuesday to celebrate the victory with the team and President Faye then addressed the squad from the presidential palace.
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Faye said: “Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal. You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach.”
He then revealed their rewards, promising each of the 28 players 75 million CFA francs ($134,892 or £96,000), as well as 1,500 square-metre coastal plots of land.
Meanwhile, members of Senegal’s soccer federation were given rewards of 50 million CFA francs ($89,605) and 1,000 square metre plots, with members of the delegation getting 20 million CFA francs ($35,842) and 500 square metre plots.
Former Liverpool forward Mane was instrumental in getting the team back onto the pitch after the protest at the penalty. “It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen,” he said of the possibility of the game ending there.
“Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that. African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world.
“So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I’d rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football.”
Despite Mane’s actions, Senegal are waiting to find out what sanctions will be imposed by Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the protest. CAF said in a statement: “CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty.”
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