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By Chris Simpson
In Dakar
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"They all said we couldn't do it, but you know what they say: Man proposes, God disposes and we are not finished yet."
Businessman Maktar Diop could barely make himself heard against a background of blaring car horns and screaming children.
"Senegal qui gagne, Senegal qui gagne," was the chant: "It's Senegal that wins."
The slogan running across Senegalese television screens was slightly different: "Senegal: winning for Africa."
While the biggest crowds once again descended on the presidential palace and the national television centre, every street had its own party or procession.
Anyone not wearing the now obligatory red, green and yellow was singled out for attention.
"Are you listening? We beat the French and now we can beat anyone. The Cup is coming here."
Fans thumped playfully on the backs of cars. Some demanded spare change. "You should be paying us road tolls today."
Taxi drivers ruefully sought out new routes and diversions as youth decked in Lions of Teranga T-shirts took over the traffic.
Drivers sweltered in the mid-morning heat. But everybody knew it was going to be that kind of day.
The occasional ambulance would appear on the main roads.
"There are going to be casualties today, that is for sure," said taxi driver Vieux Diaw, wincing as a car full of supporters rushed down the opposite lane. "But what a day. What an achievement."
Monday will be claimed as a public holiday
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Dakar looked tense and empty before the match on Sunday morning, the discos and clubs slowly winding down as people made for their favoured venues.
But an hour before kick-off the first flag-waving motorcyclists zoomed through the downtown Plateau district of Dakar and the mood began to change.
When Henri Camara stole in to win the match for Senegal, fans poured onto the streets.
Old men embraced each other outside the mosques. Shop owners abandoned their shops to go and share in the good news.
Within minutes, dozens of cars had been commandeered by raucous posses of supporters, all wearing the now familiar hats, T-shirts and headscarves.
Those who couldn't climb on to rooftops stuck their heads out of the car-windows, shouting over and over again: "We won..."
The nation rejoiced at the winning goal
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"Of course women feel the same as men," shouted drama student Rosalie Ndiaye.
"I play football myself. I was in bed when I heard the Swedes had scored. Then they woke me up to tell me we were level and now... look at this!"
Fans were quick to point out that this was Sunday, meaning Monday would be claimed as the proper public holiday whatever the authorities said.
"We've got the chicken in specially and we are going to really go for it," said Maktar Diop.
"This is the country of 'teranga' - hospitality and it's the country of God. We prayed for this and our prayers were answered."
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