Senegal President greets team as triumphant players receive heroes welcome in Dakar

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The triumphant Senegal team arrived in Dakar just after midnight late Monday following the tense Africa Cup of Nations final that saw the players briefly walk off the pitch to protest a penalty decision deep into second-half stoppage time.

The players were greeted by Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, who praised their performance.

“They did it heroically, they played beautiful football, they were incredibly fair and they were exemplary both on and off the field. We can only be proud of them,” he said.

Outside the airport, fans dressed in national colors gathered to welcome the players, waving Senegalese flags, blaring horns and chanting in celebration.

The African champion will parade through the streets of Senegal’s capital on Tuesday morning before being received at the presidential palace later in the day.

Senegal defeated host Morocco in dramatic fashion after a heated final in Rabat.

Pape Gueye scored the only goal of the game in extra-time for the Teranga Lions. A chaotic game saw some fans trying to storm the field at one point.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the Senegalese team’s decision to walk off the pitch “unacceptable” Monday in a statement echoed by the Confederation of African Football.

Like many Senegalese fans, Anta Ndiaye was outspoken about the perceived unfairness against her team in Sunday’s final.

“Really, the Moroccans didn’t respect the Senegalese. We Senegalese do not have any problems,” she said.

Bamba Sene, a fan who circled the crowd while carrying the national flag, said: “We are happy today, we are proud to be Senegalese."

AP soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer

Senegal's head coach Pape Thiaw, center, arrives following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, in Ndiass, Senegal, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Senegal's Sadio Mane, center, is accompanied by securities as the team arrives following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, in Ndiass, Senegal, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Senegal's Krépin Diatta, center, is accompanied by securitties as the team arrives following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, in Ndiass, Senegal, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Senegal soccer team arrives at the Blaise Diagne International Airport following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, in Ndiass, Senegal, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly holds the Africa Cup of Nations trophy as he deplanes following their victory in the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament, in Ndiass, Senegal, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. (AP Photo/Misper Apawu)

DENVER (AP) — Colorado forward Valeri Nichushkin was involved in a car accident on his way to the rink Monday and was held out of the Avalanche's 5-2 victory over Washington as a precaution.

Coach Jared Bednar said after the game that Nichushkin got checked out at the facility and suffered minor injuries but that “everything seems to be OK.”

“Just not good enough to play tonight,” Bednar said. “We’ll see what tomorrow brings for him.”

Bednar didn't have much information other than saying the roads were icy after an overnight snowfall and that it was a multi-vehicle accident.

“It was a fender bender, but serious enough to keep him out of lineup,” Bednar said. “I’m sorry, I don’t know all the details.”

Nichushkin missed eight games this season with a lower-body injury. He has 11 goals and 16 assists.

The 30-year-old Nichushkin drew a suspension of at least six months in May 2024 and placed in Stage 3 of the NHL/NHLPA Player Assistance Program. The announcement came in the middle of Colorado’s playoff run that year, marking the second straight postseason where the right winger was unavailable because of circumstances away from the ice.

He played in just 43 games last season but was still fifth on the team with 21 goals. It was the third 20-goal season of his career.

With Nichushkin being a late scratch, Colorado quickly placed a call to forward Alex Barré-Boulet, who plays for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League. Barré-Boulet made the drive down from Loveland, Colorado — about 60 miles — in time for the game and had an assist on the opening goal by Parker Kelly.

It was Barré-Boulet's first NHL point since 2023-24 with Tampa Bay.

Colorado is already missing Gabriel Landeskog (upper body), defenseman Devon Toews (upper) and forward Joel Kiviranta (lower body). Forward Logan O’Connor has yet to play this season as he recovers from offseason hip surgery.

At 34-5-8, the Avalanche have the best record in the NHL. They're paced by the scoring prowess of Nathan MacKinnon, who had two goals against the Capitals to give him a league-best 38 this season. He also had an assist to reach 1,100 career points, joining Hall of Famer Joe Sakic as the only players in franchise history to reach that milestone.

“He's had a hell of a career to this point, and there’s no signs of him slowing down,” Bednar said of MacKinnon. “I’m sure he’s well on his way to another however many points he’s going to get.”

AP NHL: https://apnews.com/hub/nhl

Colorado Avalanche right wing Valeri Nichushkin, left, passes the puck as Nashville Predators defenseman Justin Barron, right, covers in the first period of an NHL hockey game Friday, Jan. 16, 2026, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)