Senegalese pack streets to welcome victorious Cup of Nations team

A lone Senegal supporter celebrates away from the roadside crowds near Dakar airport

Senegalese pack streets to welcome victorious Cup of Nations team

AFP Author • AFP • 16:20 - 07.02.2022

Fans crowd the roads around the Dakar airport waiting for the Senegal team to return in triumph

Tens of thousands of jubilant fans packed the streets of Senegal's capital Dakar on Monday to welcome the national squad home after its Africa Cup of Nations win.

Led by Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal overcame Mohamed Salah's Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out in Sunday's final in Cameroon. The game had finished goalless after extra time.

The victory marked Senegal's first in the tournament, and sparked celebrations across the West African country's capital on Sunday evening. 

President Macky Sall declared a public holiday to celebrate the victory. 

On Monday, tens of thousands of lively supporters gathered near an airport in Dakar to welcome the Senegalese squad home.

Large crowds of supporters also gathered in other parts of the city, singing songs and waving flags.

Sall is expected to greet the team at the airport, which is then due parade through city. 

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