Senegal’s victorious Lions of Teranga are set to receive bonuses exceeding $130,000 and coastal land plots from the government following their dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory over Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Presidential Rewards for the Squad
President Bassirou Diomaye Faye announced the rewards during a ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday, as thousands of jubilant supporters lined the streets to welcome the team home.
Each of the 28 players will receive 75 million CFA francs ($134,892) and a 1,500-square-metre plot of land, totaling roughly 2.1 billion CFA francs ($3.7 million). In addition:
• Senegalese Football Federation members will get 50 million CFA francs and 1,000-square-metre plots.
• Members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco will receive 20 million CFA francs and 500-square-metre plots.
• Staff at the Sports Ministry are allocated 305 million CFA francs in bonuses.
President Faye praised the team, saying:
“Dear Lions, you have honoured the flag entrusted to you. You have honoured Senegal. You have shown by example that when Senegalese people move forward together with discipline and confidence, no challenge is beyond their reach.”
The Road to Victory
The final, held on Sunday, saw Senegal defeat host nation Morocco 1–0 after extra time. The match was dramatic: Senegal staged a brief walk-off following a penalty awarded against them in stoppage time, only to return and win when Pape Gueye scored four minutes into extra time.
The team celebrated their victory earlier on Tuesday with a parade along Dakar’s corniche, riding atop a bus emblazoned with “African Champions” toward the presidential palace.
Historical Context
This is Senegal’s second AFCON title, their first having been secured in 2021 against Egypt. At that time, players were rewarded with 50 million CFA francs and 200-square-metre plots of land.
Financial Context
The rewards come amid Senegal’s mounting debt crisis, with the IMF reporting debt at 132% of GDP at the end of 2024 after the current leadership uncovered previously unreported obligations. The IMF temporarily froze a $1.8 billion lending program, forcing Senegal to depend on regional debt auctions.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed in December that winners of the 35th edition of AFCON would also receive $10 million in prize money, highlighting the financial and symbolic significance of Senegal’s achievement.
This combination of government bonuses, land gifts, and CAF prize money underscores the national pride and recognition bestowed on the Lions of Teranga following their triumphant AFCON campaign.
Source: Africa Publicity
