Senegal president showers Lions of Teranga with rich rewards after historic AFCON triumph

Speaking at a ceremony held outside the presidential palace in Dakar on Tuesday, Faye confirmed that each member of the victorious Lions of Teranga squad will receive a bonus of 75 million CFA francs (approximately 134,900 USD), as well as a 1,500 square-metre plot of coastal land, Flashscore reported.

Thousands of jubilant supporters lined the streets of the capital to welcome the champions home, after earlier scenes saw the players parade through Dakar atop an open-top bus emblazoned with the words "African champions" along the city's corniche.

Senegal clinched the title with a 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco after extra time in a dramatic final. The match was briefly interrupted late in regulation time when Senegal's players walked off the pitch following the award of a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco.

After play resumed, the hosts missed the spot kick, before Pape Gueye struck a superb winner four minutes into extra time to secure the trophy.

The total bonus payout to the 28-player squad amounts to 2.1 billion CFA francs, or roughly 3.7 million dollars.

Faye also announced rewards for officials, with members of the Senegalese Football Federation set to receive 50 million CFA francs and 1,000 square-metre plots of land, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco will receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.

"Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal," Faye said.

"You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach."

The announcements come amid ongoing economic challenges in Senegal. The International Monetary Fund revealed that public debt reached 132% of GDP at the end of 2024, after billions in previously undisclosed liabilities were uncovered.

The IMF subsequently froze a 1.8-billion-dollar lending programme, forcing Senegal to rely heavily on regional debt markets to meet its financing needs. A new IMF mission chief arrived in the country this week for an introductory visit.

This is Senegal's second AFCON title, having won their maiden crown in 2021 after defeating Egypt in the final. On that occasion, players received bonuses of 50 million CFA francs and 200 square-metre land plots.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe previously confirmed that the winners of the 35th AFCON edition in Morocco would receive $10 million in prize money.