Senegal was crowned Africa Cup of Nations winners last Sunday after chaotic scenes that saw the players walk off the pitch in protest during the final against Morocco
Felix Keith
09:46, 23 Jan 2026
Sadio Mane won the AFCON earlier this month
Sadio Mane won the AFCON earlier this month(Image: Getty Images)
Senegal's triumphant players have arrived home as heroes following the Africa Cup of Nations to find substantial rewards awaiting them.
The team, which includes Liverpool legend Sadio Mane, embarked on an open-top bus parade through the capital, Dakar, on Tuesday before the Senegal President, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, addressed them.
The Teranga Lions secured the AFCON trophy in a dramatic encounter against Morocco on Sunday, courtesy of Pape Gueye's thunderbolt in extra time. But that barely scratches the surface of the story after Morocco star Brahim Diaz saw his Panenka penalty saved after a walk-off protest by the Senegal team against the decision. Mane was one of the few players who didn't leave the pitch.
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Referee Jean Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a penalty in the closing moments for a challenge by El Hadji Malick Diouf on Diaz. Manager Pape Thiaw instructed his players to abandon the pitch in protest and only returned following a 17-minute suspension.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy thwarted Diaz's feeble attempt and they subsequently secured their second title.
Thousands of supporters packed the streets of Dakar on Tuesday to commemorate the triumph with the squad and President Faye then spoke to the team from the presidential palace.
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final
Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final(Image: Getty Images)
Faye said: "Dear Lions, you have honored the flag entrusted to you. You have honored Senegal. You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach."
He subsequently announced their rewards, pledging each of the 28 players 75 million CFA francs (around $134,000), alongside 1,500 square-meter coastal plots of land.
Additionally, members of Senegal's football federation received rewards of 50 million CFA francs (around $89,000) and 1,000 square-meter plots, while members of the delegation were granted 20 million CFA francs (around $35,000) and 500 square-meter plots.
Former Liverpool striker Mane played a crucial role in persuading the team to return to the pitch following the penalty protest. "It would have been a shame and sad to see this kind of scenario happen," he stated regarding the prospect of the match ending prematurely.
"Just imagine for a second going into the locker rooms and the football match stopping there. I think that would convey a negative image of our football. I think Africa today does not deserve that. African football has evolved in an incredible way and the proof is that it is followed all over the world.
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"So, on my side, I did what I had to do. I think it would be crazy to not play this game because what, the referee gave a penalty and we go out of the game? I think that would be the worst thing, especially in African football. I'd rather lose than this kind of thing happen to our football."
Despite Mane's actions, Senegal is awaiting confirmation of what penalties will be handed down by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for the demonstration.
CAF confirmed in a statement: "CAF is reviewing all footage and will refer the matter to competent bodies for appropriate action to be taken against those found guilty."