Cash prizes, real estate, and highest honours for Senegal players

Senegal President Macky Sall has awarded a special cash prize, prime real estate, and the country’s highest order to the men’s soccer team as the West African country continues to celebrate their Afcon triumph.

Senegal’s first win of the coveted trophy it has been chasing for 60 years has led to an outpouring of celebrations since the 4-2 triumph in a penalty kick shootout against Egypt on Sunday.

Tens of thousands lined the streets of the capital Dakar from Monday morning awaiting the arrival of the team.

A ticker-tape parade through the streets went into the early hours of Tuesday.

Hundreds lined the surrounding avenues and streets of the presidential palace in downtown Dakar on Tuesday evening for a reception to thank the players.

Sall awarded the players Senegal’s highest order, making them Grand Officers of the National Order of the Lion.

“In addition, as a token of gratitude, and on behalf of the nation, the players and other members of the official delegation will each receive a special bonus of 50 million franc CFA (R 1.4 Million) and a 200 square metre plot of land in Dakar,” Sall said.

The players will also receive a 500 square metre plot for a commemorative estate in Diamniadio, a new futuristic economic and industrial hub around 45 km from Dakar where a new national soccer stadium will be inaugurated on 22 February.