Senegal win the Africa Cup of Nations, beat Egypt 4-2 in penalties. This marks the first time in the country’s history that it has won the AFCON title. Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium saw the match go into extra time, and continue to the nailbiting shootouts, with Senegal taking the first kick. 

While Sadio Mane, the Senegalese, ran off in celebration pursued by his teammates, a dejected Mohamed Salah was near the halfway line in tears. The Egyptian national, and Mane’s Liverpool teammate, had expressed a strong desire to lift the AFCON trophy for his country.

Senegal displayed great possession and attacking mentality throughout the game, while Egypt struggled to make a mark in the first thirty minutes. Their best chance came ahead of the halftime whistle when Salah took his shot. However, Mendy was all over it and denied Egypt the lead.

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Ultimately, it was Mane’s winning kick that took Senegal to victory. The final can almost be seen as a tale of redemption for the Liverpool forward, who missed a penalty earlier in the game. Mane more than made up for it by whipping one into the corner in the shootouts. 

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The popular opinion is that Egypt’s performance was lacklustre in the final, with many criticizing their penalty lineup too. Salah, who was supposed to take the shot much later, didn’t even get the opportunity. Mohamed Qotb Abou Gabal Ali, or Gabaski, was solid as the Egyptian goalkeeper, keeping a clean sheet. However, he couldn’t stop the Senegalese players in the shootouts. 

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Meanwhile, the day bore more good news for Senegal players Mane and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who plays for Chelsea in the English Premier League. While the former was announced as the player of the tournament, Mendy got the honour of being recognized as the goalkeeper of the tournament.