Senegal land plots, cash awarded after chaotic AFCON

• President Bassirou Diomaye Faye promised each Senegal player 75 million CFA francs and a 1,500 square metre coastal land plot after the AFCON title.
• The rewards follow a final in Rabat that spiralled late, with a disallowed Senegal goal, a stoppage-time penalty, and a long delay before the kick was taken.
• Pape Gueye’s strike early in extra time settled it, sealing a 1-0 win over Morocco.

Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations winners are set to receive major rewards from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye after a final that ended in triumph and turmoil.

At a ceremony in Dakar on Tuesday, held after the squad toured the city on an open-top bus in front of thousands of supporters, Faye confirmed the bonuses for the champions. Each of the 28 players will receive 75 million CFA francs, listed as $134,892, which totals 2.1 billion CFA francs, listed as $3.7 million, along with 1,500 square metre coastal plots of land.

Officials were rewarded too. Members of Senegal’s football federation were told they will receive 50 million CFA francs, listed as $89,605, and 1,000 square metre plots. Members of the Senegalese delegation are set for 20 million CFA francs, listed as $35,842, plus 500 square metre plots.

The rewards come days after Senegal beat host nation Morocco 1-0 in extra time in Rabat to lift their second AFCON title, in a match dominated by a chaotic ending. Senegal thought they had won it late when Ismaila Sarr scored, only for the goal to be ruled out. Soon after, Morocco were awarded a penalty, prompting most of the Senegal side to head back towards the dressing room before Sadio Mane went in to bring them back out.

The decisive spot kick did not arrive quickly. Almost 20 minutes after the 98th-minute penalty was awarded, Brahim Diaz tried a Panenka and sent it straight at goalkeeper Edouard Mendy. In a strange sideshow, Mendy’s towel became its own drama, with reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf helping to look after it while Moroccan ballboys tried to take it.

Four minutes into extra time, Senegal finally landed the moment that counted, with Pape Gueye scoring from outside the area to put them in front for good.

Speaking outside the presidential palace, Faye told the players: “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.”