Senegal have beaten Egypt on penalties to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.
A penalty shootout decided the Africa Cup of Nations final between Senegal and Egypt – and Sadio Mane scored the winner before his Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah got the chance to.
Mane made amends for missing a penalty in open play by deciding the shootout. Senegal had won a penalty within the opening five minutes after Mohamed Abdelmonem brought down Saliou Ciss in the box.
Salah tried to tell his keeper which way Liverpool teammate Mane would go from the spot – and Egypt keeper Gabaski made an incredible save from the powerful strike.
Despite the quick start to the game, it ended goalless after 90 minutes, meaning Egypt went to extra time for the fourth match in a row.
Gabaski remained the busier goalkeeper, but neither he nor Edouard Mendy could be breached. Thus, it went to penalties.
Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo scored for Senegal with their first two attempts. Zizo scored Egypt’s first, but Abdelmonem hit the post with their second effort.
Then Bouna Sarr missed for Senegal, and Egypt restored parity with Mahmoud Alaa.
Bamba Dieng tucked away Senegal’s next effort into the roof of the net, then Mendy saved Mohanad Lasheen.
It meant Mane just had to put his away to win it – before Salah would even get the chance to respond. And Mane made no mistake this time to win the shootout.
Senegal have won AFCON for the first time in their history as a result.
By: Kwaku Oduro
