Sadio Mane’s Senegal has won their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after defeating Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on penalties in a thrilling rivalry in Yaounde, Cameroon on Sunday night.
Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 edition following a dramatic penalty shootout victory against Egypt. The game remained goalless after 120 minutes of play before Sadio Mane scored the winning spot-kick, with Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah not taking a penalty.
Egyptian stars, Mohamed Abdel Monem and Mohanad Lasheen missed from 12 yards, while Senegal’s Bouna Sarr also failed to convert his effort. The result means Senegal are AFCON champions for the first time in their history. Egypt, meanwhile, remains on seven titles a competition record.
Senegal’s national team, the Teranga Lions were not the only winners, there were others who bagged individual honours.
With eight goals scored in the tournament, bronze winner and Cameroonian striker Vincent Aboubakar was the top scorer and the winner of the Golden boot.
Edouard Mendy, Senegal and Chelsea goalkeeper won the best goalkeeper award.
The Senegalese Magician, Sadio Mané is crowned Man of the Competition after his over-the-top performance with the Lions of Teranga.
Egyptian Pharaohs did not go home with just the silver medal. Their keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal ‘Gabaski’ was crowned AFCON Final Man of The Match.
He kept the post in four games and recorded three clean sheets. He had 15 saves, out of which five were penalties.
Ada Peter
