Senegal players, support staff to get bonuses, land for AFCON glory

Senegal's President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced bonuses of more than $130,000 as well as plots of coastal land for the players of the football team following their Sunday's Africa Cup of Nations glory.

He announced the awards at a ceremony in the capital, Dakar, on Tuesday night, during which thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets to welcome the victorious Lions of Teranga home.

The bonuses of 75 million CFA francs ($134,892.09) for each of the squad's 28 players total 2.1 billion CFA francs or $3.7 million. 1,500 square-metre plots of land are also announced for the players.

In addition, Faye announced 50 million CFA francs for members of Senegal's football federation and 1,000 square-metre plots as well, while members of the Senegalese delegation to Morocco would receive 20 million CFA francs and 500 square-metre plots.

He said sports ministry staff would receive 305 million CFA francs in bonuses.

Senegal defeated hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time to win the AFCON title for the second time in four years.

The final in Rabat descended into chaos deep into stoppage, when Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty after he was advised by video assistant referee (VAR) to review El Hadji Malick Diouf's challenge on Brahim Diaz.

Officials and players jostled with each other while the referee consulted the touchline screen.

After a review, it was found that Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full-back Malick Diouf while defending a corner kick five minutes into stoppage time.

Senegal’s coach, Pape Thiaw, who was unhappy when their opening goal was disallowed for a soft foul on Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi earlier, was furious after the penalty was awarded and stormed off the pitch alongside the majority of the team players, leading to a delay of 14 minutes.

Talisman Sadio Mane persuaded Senegal’s players to return, and the match resumed.

Once the players returned to the field, Diaz inexplicably tried a Panenka-style chip, and his soft penalty effort sailed tamely into the arms of Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.

The match then went into extra-time, where midfielder Pape Gueye scored a winner in the fourth minute, to help Senegal clinch the Africa Cup of Nations title.