Izuchukwu Okosi
Senegal’s President Macky Sall has remarkably declared today (Monday) a public holiday in the country to celebrate the Teranga Lions first ever African Cup of Nations title.
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Lions first ever African Cup of Nations crown following their victory against Egypt on Sunday night.
Liverpool forward Sadio Mane converted the winning penalty in a 4-2 shootout victory over Mohamed Salah’s Egypt at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon, on Sunday, denying the Pharaohs a record-extending eighth continental title. The game had finished goalless after extra time.
Sall, who had been due to visit Comoros at the end of a trip that took place in Egypt and Ethiopia, cancelled the last leg in order to welcome the triumphant Lions on their return to Dakar at 1pm on Monday.
Senegal were the losing finalists in 2002 and 2019.
The Lions will be decorated by President Sall on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Dakar.
“The president of the republic declared Monday a public holiday, a paid day off, following the brilliant victory of the Lions,” local media RTS said, citing a presidential decree.
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 have 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.
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
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