Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye: “By entrusting them with the national flag, we had given them a mission. 

“They carried it out brilliantly, at the end of an epic match, by raising the colours of Senegal to the very summit of African football.

“I congratulate our Lions for this historic victory in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. 

“Faced with adversity and under immense pressure, you delivered a heroic battle, made of courage, discipline and solidarity.

“This new star is the fruit of collective effort, resilience and faith in excellence. 

“It honours the entire Nation and permanently writes this generation into the sporting history of Africa.

“Thank you, Gaïndés! 

“Senegal is proud of you and will always be grateful to you.”