AFCON 2021: Saido Mane leads Senegal to first AFCON title after a shootout win against Egypt

Saido Mane has led the Teranga Lions of Senegal to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title after a penalty shootout win against Egypt in Cameroon.

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final in Cameroon lived up to the expectations as Liverpool teammates Saido Mane and Mo Salah led their teams on Sunday.

Teranga Lions of Senegal were chasing their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations silverware, while the Pharaohs of Egypt were looking for a record-extending eighth title.

Senegal the much better side started the game the brighter of the two sides and could have gone up as early as the 7th minute when they were awarded a penalty.

Mohamed Abdel Monem fouled Senegal’s Saliou Ciss in the box and the South African referee Victor Gomes awarded a penalty that Saido Mane missed.

The penalty was saved by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abougabal – before Saido Mane took the penalty, Mo Salah was seen teaching his goalie how his club teammate plays his spot-kick  – Mane also joined them and pointed at the direction he would play the kick to.

He took and missed, as his effort was well saved by Mohamed Abougabal.

After 90 minutes of football and 30 minutes extra time there was nothing separating the two teams and we headed for the penalty shootout.

Having won two of their last three knockout games via penalty shootout, the Pharaohs of Egypt were the most confident side but it was not meant to be their day.

Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, Ahmadou Bamba Dieng scored for Senegal but Bouna Sarr missed, Zizo, Marwan Hamdi scored for Egypt while Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen missed presenting Saido Mane the chance to redeem himself.

And he fired his shoot with venom to win the title for Senegal 4-2 on penalties.

Edouard Mendy was named the goalkeeper of the tournament, Vincent Aboubakar named the top scorer after scoring 8 goals while Saido Mane won the player of the tournament.