Senegal’s triumphant Africa Cup of Nations squad has been richly rewarded following their dramatic final victory over hosts Morocco, with President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announcing substantial cash bonuses and land grants for the players and officials, MySportDab Reports.
Speaking at a celebratory ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday night, Faye revealed that each of the 28 players in the Lions of Teranga squad will receive 75 million CFA francs (approximately $135,000) as well as a 1,500 square-metre plot of coastal land.
The total payout to players amounts to 2.1 billion CFA francs, or about $3.7 million.
Thousands of supporters flooded the streets of the capital to welcome the team home, hours after the players paraded through Dakar atop an open-top bus bearing the inscription “African Champions” en route to the presidential palace.
Senegal sealed their AFCON title with a tense 1–0 win over Morocco after extra time. The final was marred by controversy late in normal time when Senegal briefly walked off the pitch following the award of a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco.
After play resumed, the hosts failed to convert the spot kick, before Pape Gueye struck a stunning winner four minutes into extra time to hand Senegal the trophy.
President Faye also announced rewards for other members of the delegation. Officials of the Senegalese Football Federation will receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots of land, while members of the national delegation to Morocco will be given 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots. Staff of the sports ministry are set to share 305 million CFA francs in bonuses.
The lavish rewards come amid economic challenges in Senegal, with the IMF recently stating the country’s debt reached 132% of GDP at the end of 2024.
Addressing the team, Faye praised their achievement, saying they had “honoured Senegal” and shown that unity and discipline could overcome any challenge.
Senegal previously won AFCON in 2021, when players received smaller bonuses. This latest triumph further cements the Lions of Teranga as a dominant force in African football.