Senegal Declares National Holiday To Celebrate Africa Cup of Nations Victory

• Senegal's President Macky Sall has announced that public and private workers could take the day off, and school classes would also be cancelled
• Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties on Sunday to earn their victory after the final ended goalless following extra time
• It's the first time Senegal have won the Africa Cup of Nations

The president of Senegal, Macky Sall, has declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the national football team's first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.

The Terranga Lions made history to win their first-ever AFCON after beating the Pharaohs 4-2 on penalties, following another 0-0 draw on Sunday.

Sadio Mane converted the winning penalty at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, to deny Mohamed Salah and his teammates a record-extending eighth continental title.

Sall was on a presidential visit to countries like Comoros, Egypt and Ethiopia, but had to cancel the trip in order to welcome the triumphant Lions on their return to Dakar at 1300 GMT Monday, RTS said.

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"The president of the republic declared Monday a public holiday, a paid day off, following the brilliant victory of the Lions," RTS said, citing a presidential decree.

According to RTS television, Sall will award the entire team on Tuesday, 8th February, 2022 at the presidential palace in Dakar, RTS television said.

After two previous final defeats in 2002 and 2019, Senegal finally claimed their first Cup of Nations title.

Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was due to fly to Abu Dhabi following the conclusion of Afcon to link up with Chelsea, who take on Al Hilal in the semi-finals of the Fifa Club World Cup on Wednesday.

The English club has not specified when Mendy is due in the UAE, and it remains to be seen whether he will take part in the celebrations in Dakar.

Senegal President Macky Sall Reacts to Sadio Mane’s Penalty Miss

President of Senegal, Macky Sall, had his hands over his head after Liverpool star Sadio Mane missed the opportunity to give the Teranga Lions the lead in the AFCON final following his sixth-minute penalty miss.

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However, he went from villain to hero after seizing the moment to score the winner in the shootouts against Egypt for Senegal to be crowned champions.

In a video on Twitter, spotted by Sports Brief, president Macky Sall's reaction looked like he was going to give up.