After a month of intense efforts during the CAN, they finally benefit from the reward. Crowned African champions last Sunday at the end of the final won against Morocco (1-0 ap), the Senegalese were welcomed as heroes this Tuesday in Dakar.
Returning to the country late Monday evening, Sadio Mané and his partners were received by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko as well as several members of the government as they exited the plane. A first parade in a double-decker bus was organized to present the trophy to the supporters present in large numbers to meet the Lions of Teranga. While the day had been declared “non-working and paid” by the presidency, the streets of the capital were again crowded in the evening for a second night of impromptu celebrations.
Sadio Mané winner with the applause meter
But the real celebration was expected this Tuesday, January 20, with a “great popular parade” planned in Dakar. The latter, which was to leave at 11 a.m. local time, was delayed and finally started in the afternoon. Pape Thiaw’s men set off to the east of the capital and will complete their lap of honor on Avenue de la République in the evening with a reception at the presidential palace.
While tens of thousands of people have lined the streets of Dakar since early this morning waiting to see their players nestled on a double-decker bus, the latter have already published several photos testifying to the popular jubilation escorting their passage.
After the first hours of a parade which promises to be long as the vehicle transporting the Senegalese advances at a snail’s pace, a winner obviously stood out in the applause: Sadio Mané, elected best player of the competition for his last CAN. The Lions legend saw his name chanted repeatedly as he presented the cup to supporters.
On his Instagram account, Iliman Ndiaye did not hesitate to offer behind the scenes of the Senegalese parade, showing live the cheers as the bus passed on the highway.
” I love you “
Broadcast live on television, the Lions’ victory lap, which will pass through popular and upscale neighborhoods as well as the emblematic Corniche of the capital, takes place under blue skies and radiant sunshine. Every square meter of roadway is crowded, as evidenced by the images broadcast on Senegalese Radio Television but also Ibrahim Mbaye’s Instagram story.
Author of a grand final, Strasbourg defender Mamadou Sarr took the opportunity to declare his love to the Senegalese people, also via a story on Instagram. “I love you,” he wrote, accompanying his photo with many hearts.
The party is expected to continue until late into the night, before the African champions return to their respective clubs in trickles.
