Afcon final: The joy of Senegal and the destruction of Morocco

Andalou via Getty Images Senegalese people dressed in clothing and accessories in the colors of the national flag gathered around the African Renaissance Monument, singing and chanting to support their team.

Senegal President Bassirou Diomaye Faye declared Monday a public holiday after the national team won the Africa Cup of Nations after defeating tournament hosts Morocco 1-0 in a dramatic final on Sunday.

A disallowed goal, the players walk off the pitch and a saved penalty is awarded a tense night at the stadium in the Moroccan capital, Rabat.

In Senegal’s capital, Dakar, supporters cheered as they gathered at a screen outside at the foot of the giant African Renaissance Monument.

As the game unfolded the tension was too much for some to bear.

Reuters A Senegalese fan covers his face with his football top printed with the number 10.

The moment when Morocco’s Brahim Diaz stepped up to take the penalty that would win his country the Afcon trophy for the first time in 50 years could not be overlooked for this Senegalese fan.

But his miss and Senegal’s consecutive goals in extra time were met with joy in Dakar.

EPA Senegalese soccer fans cheer as they watch the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) between Senegal and Morocco in Dakar

“What just happened is divine … a scenario that looks like it’s a crazy Netflix series,” fan Mohamed Diop told Reuters news agency.

AFP via Getty Images A Senegalese supporter celebrates in a fan zone at the African Renaissance Monument in Dakar

The other side of the coin, of course, was the destruction for the Moroccans in a fan park in the city of Sale.

ANP via Getty Images A Moroccan fan holds his hands in front of his face. Some fans were around him in sadness.

“Maybe next time,” one person told Reuters. “We have good players. Now we have to get back to work so we can win in 2027.”

Moroccan fans watching in the Dutch city of Eindhoven were also shocked by Diaz’s penalty miss.

AFP via Getty Images Fans gather at the Dynamo cultural venue to watch the Africa Cup of Nations football final between Morocco and Senegal, in Eindhoven.

But back in Dakar, when the final whistle is blown, the party begins.

Reuters Two Senegalese nationals of color cheer as they lean on a moving car.

AFP via Getty Images Senegalese football supporters celebrate at the Place du Souvenir Africain in Dakar. A fan in a Mexican wrestling mask waves a Senegalese flag and stands on the roof of a car, which also has a flag on its bonnet.

AFP via Getty Images Senegal supporters make a flare as they celebrate in Ouakam, Dakar. The picture was bathed in red light from the flare.

“We really need to win. This team showed me courage and seriousness. We gave everything we had. We really thank Sadio Mané, he gave us everything,” supporter Modou Yacine Diop told Reuters.

Senegalese fans in the Italian city of Milan also took to the streets.