A human tide spread through the streets of the Senegalese capital Dakar on Monday to celebrate the winners of the African Cup of Nations football, in an exceptional moment of jubilation after more than 50 years of disappointment.
Hundreds of thousands of ecstatic people crowded around Léopold-Sédar-Senghor airport, where the new champions landed in the late afternoon and all along the course they were then supposed to follow at through the West African metropolis.
The crowd was also present near the presidential palace where, it was thought, the team was to complete its triumphal parade.
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A joy of unprecedented intensity for years, in a country more customary by culture of reserve than exuberance.
Throughout the city rose for hours a clamor of songs, whistles, horns, interspersed with the deafening detonations of firecrackers.
A large part of the population, dressed in the colors green, gold and red, obviously wanted not to miss the party.
The public maintained the hope of glimpsing Sadio Mané and his teammates, including whether to perch in the trees or on the billboards.
Anyone who had set out to travel by car was better advised to continue on foot.
Public holiday this Monday
The day before, the Teranga Lions had put an end to the interminable wait for a ball-mad nation by beating Egypt on penalties (0-0, 4-2 on pens), continental consecration after 55 years of participation and two lost finals.
The very wise Sadio Mané had set the tone on Sunday evening by announcing that, although not being "
not a party animal
", he would go to slum on Monday evening in a known nightclub in the capital.
And Monday, declared a public holiday by President Macky Sall, the Senegalese were bathed in national pride, exultation and confidence in a glorious sporting tomorrow.
Read also "It's hard to talk in these conditions": Local commentators in tears after Senegal's victory at CAN
"
It's an unforgettable moment, which will remain forever
," confided Dié Mbaye, a 17-year-old high school student, who had donned the national jersey to mingle with the rowdy crowd gathered near the presidential palace.
The day before, like thousands of compatriots, she jumped up screaming and left her home when Sadio Mané scored the winning shot on goal.
New appointment with Egypt
"
We deserved it, we've been waiting for this for 60 years
," she said, a national flag stuck in her hair, barely audible in the hustle and bustle.
On the other side of the street, Mamadou Bocoum, a 24-year-old student, did not hesitate to anticipate a better life: "
it's going to change your life
", he said in the middle of a group of young men who were also at the colors and accessories for the occasion, starting with the ubiquitous tricolor banner bearing the green star.
Hundreds of thousands of Senegalese waited all day to see their heroes pass.
ZOHRA BENSEMRA / REUTERS
After difficult months of economic crisis, health restrictions, political unrest, this victory is a "
relief
", especially for a young population, more than half of whom are under 20, he said.
The expected arrival of the champions drained hours in advance of a dense and thunderous flow extending as far as the eye could see on the axes leading to the Sédar-Senghor airport, which is no longer used except for exceptional occasions or transport military and presidential.
“
We have parents who were unable to attend a Lions coronation.
So it's a wonderful event in which I must take part
, ”ignited Mohamed Ndoye, 31 years old.
Read alsoCAN: Scenes of jubilation in Dakar and public holiday in Senegal after the 1st coronation of the Lions of Teranga
The Head of State, who returned on purpose, himself went to welcome the team when he got off the plane after having canceled an official visit to the Comoros.
He touched with his hands and mouth under the mask the coveted trophy.
For the occasion, the leaders of the opposition were invited and, on both sides, the quarrels of the past months were left aside.
"
There are times when we leave the (political) problems to talk about a common cause in the country
," said Macky Sall.
As for the players, “
you have been (from) ferocious (lions).
Here you are on the roof of Africa
,” he said.
The Senegalese are looking forward to the next sporting events.
"
Senegal can beat any team in the World Cup
," assured Dala Thiam, a 22-year-old student.
We will have to qualify for Qatar.
This will go through a barrage at the end of March...against Egypt.
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