Following their fantastic win at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Senegal squad received a special bonus courtesy of the nation’s president.
On February 6, they won their first-ever AFCON crown by defeating Egypt at the Paul Biya Stadium in Cameroon.
Following a tightly contested 120 minutes, neither team could find that all-important goal to break the deadlock. That meant one thing—the game was going the distance.
The Egyptians couldn’t deter the Senegalese despite emerging victorious in their previous penalty shootout against hosts Cameroon.
Their goalkeeper, Gabaski, made one excellent save. But it wasn’t enough to stop Senegal’s shot-stopper, Edouard Mendy, from stealing the show. His heroics granted Sadio Mane the opportunity to make history for his country—which he did. He slotted home to crown Senegal as the champions of Africa for the first time in their history.
Read: The insanely detailed water bottle that Egypt goalkeeper used to study Senegal penalties
Senegal Africa Cup of Nations bonus
Winning an international competition is nothing short of a monumental achievement. Lifting that trophy above your head is the stuff of childhood dreams.
It means the world to the players and the fans whose country has made them proud. Despite not playing the games themselves, they remember that moment of joy for the rest of their lives. Therefore, the players deserve to reap the rewards.
It’s very typical for squads to receive a bonus after a competition of this nature. Following Euro 2020, every Italian player collected a whopping £250,000 for winning the tournament.
France, meanwhile, earned a $38 million cash reward from FIFA for winning the 2018 World Cup. The president of the French Federation, Noël Le Graët, guaranteed his squad €280,000 each, just for making the final.
Senegal’s players will receive a cash reward, to the tune of €76,000 each. But the other incentives for winning the tournament will make the headlines.
The Senegal president, Macky Sall, revealed the remarkable gifts that the squad would receive. After the win, he declared the following Monday a national public holiday.
He posted on Twitter: “The players and the coaching staff will each receive 50 million CFA francs (about 76,000 euros), a plot of 200 square meters in Dakar and a plot of 500 square meters in Diamniadio.”
It’s undoubtedly an incredible award for their efforts, and one that symbolises just how huge Senegal’s achievement is.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
