Tens of thousands of ecstatic Senegalese crowded the streets around Léopold-Sédar-Senghor airport as they awaited the return Cameroon national football team after winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time (CAN), noted AFP journalists.
The arrival scheduled for the afternoon of the Lions of Teranga has drained hours in advance a dense and noisy flow stretching as far as the eye can see on the axes leading to the heart of the city at the old airport platform , which is no longer used except for exceptional occasions or military and presidential transport.
Sadio Mané’s teammates ended Sunday evening February 6 in Cameroon the interminable wait of a whole ball-mad country by winning the first continental title since Senegal’s first participation in the CAN on penalties against multi-winner Egypt. more than fifty years ago.
“We have parents who were unable to attend a Lions coronation. So it’s a wonderful event that I have to be part of.”ignited Mohamed Ndoye, 31, driver, in the midst of supporters in green, gold and red colors, in a din of horns, whistles and songs.
During a night of jubilation, President Macky Sall declared Monday a public holiday to allow his compatriots to celebrate the victory.
The tension continued to mount during the day, a deafening roar gradually covering different parts of the city, while uncertainty remained over the arrival time of the players. Everyone expected that the new African champions would parade in the streets through the popular districts of the capital.
The Head of State, who had returned on purpose, was to meet them at the airport after having canceled an official visit to the Comoros.
