YAOUNDE, Cameroon: Senegal defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final,winning the continental championship for the first time on penalty kicks at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon. Senegal is African champion for the first time after losing two finals came in 2002 and 2019.
Neither Senegal nor Egypt was able to breakthrough in the first 90 minutes. Extra time was lively as Senegal took the game to their opponents.
Liverpool star and player from Senegal Sadio Mané’s penalty kick was saved in spectacular fashion by goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal, also known as Gabaski, in the seventh minute. Mane scored the winning spot-kick – after missing one in the opening minutes of the game.
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy was the hero for Senegal, saving substitute Mohanad Lasheen’s penalty before Mane’s redemption was complete. However, Liverpool’s player Salah from Egypt did not even have the chance to take a penalty.
“We’re African champions,” Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse said after the match. “It’s been long, it’s been hard, and there have been complicated moments, but we never gave up
The next Afcon is due to take place in the Ivory Coast in June and July next year.
