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Senegal Wins First Africa Cup of Nations in History

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Senegal were crowned 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions for the first time after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the final

Senegal had a fantastic opportunity to grab the lead in the first half when Saliou Ciss was brought down by Abdelmonem in the penalty area.

Senegal later won their first Africa Cup of Nations title thanks to Sadio Mane’s penalty in the shootout after he missed from the spot in normal time to Egypt’s Abou Gabal, who was voted Man of the Match.

Senegal Wins First Africa Cup of Nations in History

The Game

In the seventh minute, Mohamed Abou Gabal saved Mane’s penalty, but Egypt couldn’t take advantage and had to play extra time for the fourth time in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

Egypt’s goalkeeper Mohamed Abo Gabal was instrumental in holding Senegal at bay in the shootout, as it was Egypt’s fourth extra period in as many games due to the sapping conditions.

When Mohamed Abdelmonem hit the post and Mohanad Lasheen had his penalty saved by Edouard Mendy, Salah was meant to take Egypt’s fifth penalty.
Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane sealed Senegal’s fate and witnessed Salah in tears at the end.

First Africa Cup of Nations for Senegal

Senegal Wins First Africa Cup of Nations in History

Senegal finally won the Africa Cup of Nations after two previous failures, while Egypt was denied an eighth continental trophy, which would have been a first for Mohamed Salah.

Against Ivory Coast in the last 16 and Cameroon in the semi-finals, Egypt won both games on penalties after a 0-0 draw. Egypt had also won both of their previous finals on penalties.

As a result, Egypt struggled to get into the game without suspended coach Carlos Queiroz in the dugout, and their talisman Mohamed Salah was mostly ineffectual.

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A Dream Come True for Aliou Cisse, head coach of the Senegalese national team

Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, who was captain in 2002 when his team lost the World Cup final to Cameroon on penalties following a goalless draw was over joyed in front of jubilant Senegalese fans.

Aliou Cisse, the world’s most criticised coach, may breathe a sigh of relief.” according to mane.

Whiledressed in Senegalese garb, the emotional head coach appears to be taking it all in,” adds Oluwashina, who is in the stands at Olembe Stadium witnessing history being made.

Highlights and Awards

Cameroon’s 88-year-old President, Paul Biya, and First Lady Chantal Biya were paraded in an open-top automobile at the closing ceremony to frantic crowds.

Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and FIFA president Gianni Infantino were also in attendance, but the greatest cheers went to former Cameroon striker, Samuel Eto’o.