SENEGAL DECLARES PUBLIC HOLIDAY AFTER AFCON 2025 TRIUMPH AS FIFA, CAF CONDEMN FINAL CONTROVERSY
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has declared Monday a paid public holiday nationwide to celebrate Senegal’s victory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The declaration followed the Teranga Lions’ dramatic 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in the AFCON final played on Sunday night, January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
In a statement from the presidency, President Faye approved a day off work with full pay for public sector employees, allowing citizens across the country to take part in nationwide celebrations marking Senegal’s continental success.
Senegal secured the title after extra time in a tense and controversial encounter that was disrupted by prolonged stoppages and protests from players. The match remained goalless until extra time, when Senegal scored the decisive goal to clinch the trophy.
The final was marred by controversy late in regulation time after referee Jean Jacques Mdala awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review for a challenge on Brahim Diaz. The decision sparked strong protests from Senegalese players, several of whom briefly walked off the pitch, leading to a lengthy interruption of play.
Chaotic scenes were also reported in the stands, with clashes involving some Senegalese supporters and Moroccan security personnel during the stoppage.
Reacting to the incident, world football governing body FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) condemned what they described as “unacceptable scenes” during the final.
In a statement issued on Monday, CAF criticised the conduct of some players and officials without attributing blame to either team, stressing that such behaviour undermines the integrity of the competition.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football condemns the unacceptable behaviour from some players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 Final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat,” the statement read.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.”
CAF added that it is reviewing all available footage from the final and will refer the matter to its disciplinary bodies for appropriate action against individuals found culpable.
Despite the controversy, celebrations erupted across Senegal following the historic victory, with the government’s declaration of a public holiday underscoring the national significance of the AFCON triumph.
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