Sadio Mane made up for missing from the spot in normal time to score the decisive penalty as Senegal overcame Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 4-2 in a shoot-out to win their first Africa Cup of Nations title after Sunday’s final finished goalless at the end of extra time.
Mane had seen Mohamed Abou Gabal save his seventh-minute penalty at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde but Egypt could not capitalize as they went all the way to extra time for the fourth consecutive game at this Cup of Nations.
Sadio Mane was quick to console his Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah, who was left in tears after suffering defeat in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Mane was the eventual hero in the match, making amends for his early penalty miss in the match by scoring the decisive spot-kick which crowned his nation champions.
There was little to separate the sides throughout the match and neither team were able to score within 120 minutes of action, forcing a penalty shootout to determine the winners of AFCON 2021.
Egypt missed two of their first four efforts from 12 yards, presenting Mane with the opportunity to fire home into the bottom left corner of the goal and secure silverware for his nation.
Salah did not have the opportunity to take a penalty for the Pharaohs and was left heartbroken as his country fell at the final hurdle.
Senegal have won the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time.
They came ever so close last time out at the tournament in 2019, losing in the final to Algeria, but have made the final step on this occasion.
Salah was due to step up to take Egypt’s fifth penalty but with Mohamed Abdelmonem hitting the post and Mohanad Lasheen having his kick saved by Edouard Mendy, the Liverpool star did not get his chance and was already on the verge of tears as his club team-mate Mane prepared to strike the decisive blow.
After two previous final defeats, Senegal are Cup of Nations winners at last, while Egypt missed out on a record-extending eighth continental crown that would also have been a first for Salah.
Senegal’s celebrations followed a disappointing final, the fifth in the last 11 editions of the tournament to be decided in a shoot-out after a goalless draw.
Indeed Egypt had already twice won finals that had been settled on penalties after finishing 0-0, and they had already won in the same manner twice in the last fortnight, against the Ivory Coast in the last 16 and the hosts in the semi-finals.
Mendy, Mane awarded
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.
Senegal captain Sadio Mane has been named Player of the Tournament after leading the Teranga Lions to their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday.
Mane scored the winning penalty for Senegal in their penalty shootout win 4-2 against Egypt after a scoreless draw.
Senegal’s Edouard Mendy won the best keeper award as he conceded only two goals during this campaign and blocked a penalty in the shootout.
