FOOTBALL
AFCON finalists after 17 years: Senegal overwhelmed by strong emotions
A street in Senegal adorned with the country’s national colours ahead of the AFCON final between Senegal and Algeria.
DAKAR, July 23, 2019 - For most Senegalese, a victory for the Lions over the Fennecs of Algeria was certain. A certainty that had already plunged the capital into a festive atmosphere. But the heat quickly calmed down at the end of the game. The enthusiasm gave way to disappointment and then celebration.
Moments before the final of the African Cup of Nations between Algeria and Senegal began, the people had no doubt that Senegal would emerge victorious. "This time I am more than convinced, Senegal will win this Cup," predicts Tamsir, a shop owner, who is very keen about soccer. He was about to close his shop around 4pm to go watch the game at the Fan Zone. These dedicated spaces welcomed all supporters from different areas to watch the match as if they were at the stadium.
At that moment, the best shared feeling was the win. In the capital, Dakar, as well as other regions of the country, the motto was the same: mobilization to write a new page of the history with the national team. To do so, the country was in national colors. After the team qualified for the finals, the capital changed its look. Flags and gadgets in national colors became the best-selling items. On market stalls, or improvised outlets, you'd find everything you needed to dress up. Earrings, necklaces, headbands, makeup accessories on demand, all in the colors of the national flag, were sold for the purpose of getting in "12th Gaindé" mood. In the streets almost everyone was wearing a jersey or sporting a flag.
The “GREEN-YELLOW-RED” fashion This citizen mobilization to support the Senegal national team went even beyond individualities. It was also a matter of neighborhoods. Streets adorned with national flags and graffitied pavements painted with green, yellow and red colors with the star, symbol of unity.
Senegal understood that to make it this time after 17 years, it is all about unity. "We must continue this sacred union behind the team. If we do, anything is possible," former football player and two times best African football player El Hadji Diouf said.
Standing as one man, the Senegalese people mobilized without skimping. That day, it was impossible to see any differences. Everyone was a "lion" wearing a green or white jersey with their name or with a player’s name crested. And for everyone to feel involved, surnames were rewritten to marry the colors of the national flag. Everyone could then take their own to post it on social media as a kind of support for the “Lions”.
A defeat like a cold shower The Senegalese enthusiasm took a big hit in the first minute of the game. While people had not finished commenting on Coach Cisse’s replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly in central defence, the Senegalese public was surprised by the goal scored by Bahdad Bounedjah.
Koulibaly’s absence was definitely a blow. But it was only in the first minute, we had time, the game lasted 90 minutes. For fans, the dream could still come true. From living rooms, cries from neighboring houses could be heard at the slightest opportunity of the Lions. But after the missed goal by Ismaila Sarr in the 82nd minute, nothing.
At the final whistle, the houses became silent and the streets deserted. The few passers-by showed sadness. People were disappointed because the unexpected scenario had happened. Senegal’s national football team had once again missed the occasion to win the AFCON trophy.
This restaurant was already empty even before the awards ceremony. At the counter, only the cashier was still standing, wearing a jersey with the name, "Mbaye Niang", a headband in national colors tight on her head, the young woman had a shy smile. "The night would have been so much better if we had won!” she said in a voice full of regret.
The Senegalese fans, many of whom had come out to watch the game in venues, were disappointed to see their team come close to the goal. A disappointment even greater than that of Sadio Mané and his teammates who played the game.
The triumphal return Despite losing against Algeria, the national team of Senegal made a whole country dream. They had not seen their team reach this stage of the competition for 17 years. A performance that inspired everyone to mobilize and welcome the Lions after the final. The fans stormed the Dakar airport in the early hours of the morning to wait for their heroes.
Upon their arrival, Sadio Mané and his teammates were treated as champions. From the airport to the Presidential Palace, the Lions saw a human tide escorting them to their destination. The young and elderly, girls and boys, all came out to congratulate the players. An impressive mobilization that slowed the procession of the team which took more than 5 hours to reach the Presidential Palace where the President of the Republic Macky Sall waited for them. Throughout the trip, the Senegalese went out spontaneously to cheer the vice-champions of Africa. For the Senegalese president, the team did very good throughout the tournament. Enough to offer each player and member of the staff a bonus of 20 million CFA.
Moments before the final of the African Cup of Nations between Algeria and Senegal began, the people had no doubt that Senegal would emerge victorious. "This time I am more than convinced, Senegal will win this Cup," predicts Tamsir, a shop owner, who is very keen about soccer. He was about to close his shop around 4pm to go watch the game at the Fan Zone. These dedicated spaces welcomed all supporters from different areas to watch the match as if they were at the stadium.
At that moment, the best shared feeling was the win. In the capital, Dakar, as well as other regions of the country, the motto was the same: mobilization to write a new page of the history with the national team. To do so, the country was in national colors. After the team qualified for the finals, the capital changed its look. Flags and gadgets in national colors became the best-selling items. On market stalls, or improvised outlets, you'd find everything you needed to dress up. Earrings, necklaces, headbands, makeup accessories on demand, all in the colors of the national flag, were sold for the purpose of getting in "12th Gaindé" mood. In the streets almost everyone was wearing a jersey or sporting a flag.
The “GREEN-YELLOW-RED” fashion This citizen mobilization to support the Senegal national team went even beyond individualities. It was also a matter of neighborhoods. Streets adorned with national flags and graffitied pavements painted with green, yellow and red colors with the star, symbol of unity.
Senegal understood that to make it this time after 17 years, it is all about unity. "We must continue this sacred union behind the team. If we do, anything is possible," former football player and two times best African football player El Hadji Diouf said.
Standing as one man, the Senegalese people mobilized without skimping. That day, it was impossible to see any differences. Everyone was a "lion" wearing a green or white jersey with their name or with a player’s name crested. And for everyone to feel involved, surnames were rewritten to marry the colors of the national flag. Everyone could then take their own to post it on social media as a kind of support for the “Lions”.
A defeat like a cold shower The Senegalese enthusiasm took a big hit in the first minute of the game. While people had not finished commenting on Coach Cisse’s replacement for Kalidou Koulibaly in central defence, the Senegalese public was surprised by the goal scored by Bahdad Bounedjah.
Koulibaly’s absence was definitely a blow. But it was only in the first minute, we had time, the game lasted 90 minutes. For fans, the dream could still come true. From living rooms, cries from neighboring houses could be heard at the slightest opportunity of the Lions. But after the missed goal by Ismaila Sarr in the 82nd minute, nothing.
At the final whistle, the houses became silent and the streets deserted. The few passers-by showed sadness. People were disappointed because the unexpected scenario had happened. Senegal’s national football team had once again missed the occasion to win the AFCON trophy.
This restaurant was already empty even before the awards ceremony. At the counter, only the cashier was still standing, wearing a jersey with the name, "Mbaye Niang", a headband in national colors tight on her head, the young woman had a shy smile. "The night would have been so much better if we had won!” she said in a voice full of regret.
The Senegalese fans, many of whom had come out to watch the game in venues, were disappointed to see their team come close to the goal. A disappointment even greater than that of Sadio Mané and his teammates who played the game.
The triumphal return Despite losing against Algeria, the national team of Senegal made a whole country dream. They had not seen their team reach this stage of the competition for 17 years. A performance that inspired everyone to mobilize and welcome the Lions after the final. The fans stormed the Dakar airport in the early hours of the morning to wait for their heroes.
Upon their arrival, Sadio Mané and his teammates were treated as champions. From the airport to the Presidential Palace, the Lions saw a human tide escorting them to their destination. The young and elderly, girls and boys, all came out to congratulate the players. An impressive mobilization that slowed the procession of the team which took more than 5 hours to reach the Presidential Palace where the President of the Republic Macky Sall waited for them. Throughout the trip, the Senegalese went out spontaneously to cheer the vice-champions of Africa. For the Senegalese president, the team did very good throughout the tournament. Enough to offer each player and member of the staff a bonus of 20 million CFA.
Video gallery
Let's Talk to the IOC Presidential Candidates
Let's Talk to IOC Presidential Candidate Lord Sebastian Coe
