Their return was eagerly awaited. 24 hours after falling into immense popular jubilation after the coronation of the Lions of Teranga at the African Cup of Nations, the Senegalese had only one dream: to welcome their heroes with great fanfare. They finally arrived at Dakar airport a little late than scheduled, around midnight, awaited by hundreds of impatient supporters.
Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye was obviously present. Alongside members of his government, he congratulated all the players and staff members who won the title this Sunday during a crazy and thrilling match until the end of extra time. The day before, he had already expressed his joy to the supporters gathered in front of the Palace of the Republic. “The joy is indescribable,” he exclaimed, before announcing that this Monday would be “non-working and paid”.
Victims of dizziness before and during the match, Krépin Diatta, Ousseynou Niang and Pape Matar Sarr were part of the delegation which took off from Rabat early in the evening. Several images on the plane have also leaked, showing the players in the middle of a photo session with the trophy.
The Senegalese have been expected in Dakar since the end of the afternoon by their supporters, who brought out the vuvuzelas, the horns and the songs to resume the party that started the day before. Hundreds of them went to Dakar-Blaise Diagne airport to properly welcome the players.
This Tuesday, the party will continue with a large popular parade lasting several hours in the streets of Dakar from 11 a.m. “Take out your flags,” warned the Senegalese Federation, which hopes that the enthusiasm will be significant. In the afternoon, an official reception at the Palais de la République is also planned.
