AFCON: President Faye lauds Senegal’s ‘exemplary conduct’

Senegal president Bassirou Diomaye Faye has reportedly saluted the Teranga Lions for ‘their exemplary conduct’ at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The remarks come amid widespread condemnation of the newly-crowned AFCON champions for contributing to the drama that spoiled their final match against the hosts at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Sunday.

Senegal stunned the hosts 1-0 in extra-time of an ill-tempered final that saw the Atlas Lions miss a penalty through Brahim Diaz. Left-back El Hadji Malick Diouf had pushed down the Real Madrid star in the box with a few minutes to full-time.

Before Diaz took the penalty, which goalkeeper Édouard Mendy saved, Coach Pape Thiaw ordered his troops off the turf in protest over the referee’s decision to, after VAR review, award the hosts the penalty. Sadio Mane intervened to recall his team-mates from the dressing room some 10 minutes later. Eventually, Pape Gueye scored the ultimate clincher.

Some quarters have condemned Senegal for walking off the pitch, saying it was a display of a lack of sportsmanship. Morocco coach Walid Regragui particularly slammed his opposite number Thiaw for a lack of class in sanctioning the brief boycott.

“We congratulate Senegal and their players. Even though it’s very disappointing, the image that African football showed today, with everything that happened at the final whistle, is regrettable,” Regragui told reporters.

“The atmosphere has been unhealthy since the start of the competition. It’s a shame. Nevertheless, we congratulate Senegal, well done to them. On our part, we will continue to work hard. Morocco will come back stronger.”

What President of Senegal told Teranga Lions After AFCON Triumph

Despite all that talk, Faye, as quoted by Senegalese newspaper Le Soleil, lauded the national team when he addressed the victorious AFCON delegation upon touchdown at Blaise Diagne International Airport on Monday night.

“You were determined to bring this cup home, and you did so heroically, playing beautiful football, with fair play and exemplary conduct, both on and off the field. Know that this victory belongs to all the Senegalese people,” the president is quoted as saying.

The president is expected to meet the team again on Wednesday ahead of a planned victory parade in the streets of Dakar in honour of the two-time AFCON champions.