Ecstatic crowds greet victorious Senegal on Cup of Nations return

Senegal arrived home on Monday after winning the Africa Cup of Nations, to hundreds of thousands of ecstatic and chanting fans, AFP journalists saw.

Massive crowds of supporters descended on a military airport in the West African country's capital Dakar, blowing vuvuzelas and waving flags to celebrate the victory.

President Macky Sall was waiting at the airport to greet the squad, which will parade by bus through thronged streets to the centre of the city of three million people.

Led by Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal overcame Mohamed Salah's Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out in Sunday's final in Cameroon. The game had finished goalless after extra time.

The victory marked Senegal's first success in the tournament, and sparked jubilant celebrations across the capital on Sunday evening which continued on Monday.

The government had declared Monday a public holiday in order to celebrate the occasion.

"This is an unforgettable moment that will last forever," said Die Mbaye, a 17-year-old school student near the presidential palace, who was scarcely audible above the shouts of supporters.

Sporting a Senegal jersey, and with a flag sticking from her hair, Mbaye added: "We deserved it, we have been waiting for 60 years."

Mamadou Bocoum, a 24-year-old student standing nearby, was equally enthusiastic. "Our life is going to change," he told AFP.

Such an intense outpouring of emotion has not been seen for years in Senegal, a Muslim-majority nation of 17 million people that is better known for its reserved culture.

Senegal have competed in the Africa Cup of Nations for over fifty years and have reached the final twice -- but The Lions of Teranga never clinched the ultimate prize until Sunday.

Africa's top-ranked national team and 20th in