Stade Rennais head coach Habib Beye has praised Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations success, saying the Teranga Lions were the standout team at the 2025 tournament and fully deserved to lift the trophy.

Senegal secured their second continental title with a dramatic victory over the host nation in the final, clinched by Pape Gueye’s stunning extra-time strike after Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed a penalty earlier in the match.

Speaking ahead of Rennes’ Ligue 1 encounter with Lorient, Beye reflected on the scenes back home in Senegal and the significance of the achievement.

“There is great joy,” he said. “I saw exceptional images in my country of the fervour surrounding this trophy and the fact that we are two-time African champions.”

The former Senegal international was adamant that the team’s success was built on their performances throughout the competition.

“From the moment the match resumed, I think that, based solely on Senegal’s performance on the pitch, the victory was deserved,” Beye said. “We were superior in our play throughout the tournament and in this final.”

Beye also spoke of the emotional intensity of the final, describing the match as a rollercoaster and the decisive goal as a moment of quality.

“The scenario was incredible in terms of emotion,” he added. “The goal was magnificent.”

The 46-year-old admitted the triumph carried personal meaning, particularly in seeing former teammates succeed, including Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw.

“My pride comes from witnessing the success of people with whom I shared part of my history, like Pape Thiaw, with whom I played on the national team,” he said.

While acknowledging the controversies that surrounded the final, Beye chose not to focus on them.

“A lot happened. We didn’t like some of the images; we can’t condone them, but they were part of this final,” he said.

Senegal’s victory cements their place among Africa’s elite, with back-to-back titles underlining their status as a dominant force on the continent.