NEW YORK January 19, 2026 – In a celebration of global sports and community spirit, New York City Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani hosted a lively watch party for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final at Surrogate’s Court near City Hall. The event drew fans of all ages, creating an electric atmosphere as Senegal clinched a hard-fought 1-0 victory over hosts Morocco in extra time.
The final, held in Rabat, Morocco, was marked by intense drama, including a controversial late penalty awarded to Morocco that prompted Senegal players to briefly walk off the pitch in protest, causing a 15-minute delay. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz missed the penalty with a failed Panenka attempt, sending the match into extra time where Pape Gueye scored a stunning goal to secure Senegal’s second AFCON title in history. The win reinforced Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s top teams, following their 2021 triumph.
Mayor Mamdani, the city’s first Muslim mayor and a democratic socialist who took office on January 1, 2026, shared highlights from the gathering on X, formerly Twitter. “Yesterday, we hosted a watch party for the Africa Cup of Nations final at Surrogate’s Court near City Hall. Fans of all ages packed the room — the energy was incredible. It may have been Senegal and Morocco playing, but it was NYC through it all,” he posted, accompanied by photos capturing the excitement.
The watch party underscored New York City’s diverse cultural fabric, bringing together residents to cheer for the continental showdown. Mamdani, born in Uganda and a former New York State Assembly member representing Astoria, Queens, has emphasized community engagement and affordability in his early days in office, including executive orders to protect tenants and support small businesses.
Reactions to the mayor’s post were mixed, with some praising the inclusive event while others critiqued city priorities amid ongoing challenges like debt and housing. Nonetheless, the gathering highlighted soccer’s power to unite, even across oceans.
Morocco’s football federation has announced plans to pursue legal action over the chaotic final moments, citing the Senegalese walk-off as impacting the result. Despite the controversy, Senegal celebrated their victory, with fans worldwide, including those in NYC, reveling in the triumph.
This event comes as Mamdani’s administration focuses on transformative change, powered by his background in advocating for workers’ rights and public transit improvements. As New Yorkers look ahead, such community initiatives signal a commitment to fostering cultural connections in the world’s most diverse city.
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