Senegal celebrated its Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory with a parade in Dakar on Jan. 20, 2026, following a dramatic 1-0 final win over Morocco. The match, however, was briefly disrupted by a walkoff protest over a late penalty call. Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing the win for Senegal.

The victory parade saw thousands of Senegalese fans lining the streets of Dakar to celebrate their team's achievement. The team traveled through the city in an open-top bus, displaying the trophy and waving to the cheering crowds. The atmosphere was jubilant, with music, dancing, and displays of national pride.

The late penalty call that led to the brief walkoff protest involved a disputed foul in the penalty area. Following a review by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), the referee initially awarded a penalty to Morocco. However, after further consultation, the decision was overturned, leading to protests from the Moroccan players and a brief walkoff. FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has since described the protest as unacceptable. The use of VAR, a system designed to minimize referee error through video replay, continues to be a topic of debate within the football community, particularly regarding the interpretation of subjective fouls.

Senegal's AFCON victory marks a significant moment for the nation, bringing widespread joy and national unity. It also has implications for the country's football development programs, potentially attracting more investment and inspiring young players. The win is expected to boost the popularity of football in Senegal and across the African continent.

Looking ahead, Senegal will now focus on preparing for upcoming international competitions, including the FIFA World Cup qualifiers. The team's success in the AFCON is expected to provide a significant boost to their confidence and performance in these future events.