The Teranga Lions of Senegal have won an African title for the first time in their history, defeating Egypt in a dramatic final of Afcon 2021.
After defeating Egypt 4-2 in the final at the Olembe Stadium on Sunday, Senegal won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on penalties.
Considering Senegal’s dominance, the game at the Olembe Stadium finished in a 0-0 stalemate after 120 minutes of football, forcing penalty-kicks to separate both sides.
We did it —— CHAMPION D’AFRIQUE #TeamSenegal #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/7R1ncpevlN
— Football (@FootballSenegal) February 6, 2022
The Teranga Lions win their first Afcon title in their third final appearance, overcoming a setback in Egypt in 2019.
The Teranga Lions were on a goal-scoring spree early in the game, which resulted with a penalty after Mohamed Abdelmonem brought down Saliou Ciss in the fourth minute.
Sadio Mane moved out to take the penalty kick after the Egypt defender received the game’s first yellow card, but goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal saved him.
Aliou Cisse’s side dominated extra time after a goalless 90 minutes, with Dieng going close with a header that was saved by Abou Gabal for a corner kick, resulting in penalties.
POETIC JUSTICE! ??
20 years ago as captain of Senegal, Aliou Cisse and the Teranga Lions lost to Cameroon in the AFCON 2002 final and now in Cameroon, he leads Senegal ?? to their first ever AFCON trophy as coach.
Success might delay but it can never be denied with consistency. pic.twitter.com/J2uqDy2xAc
— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) February 6, 2022
The first two penalty shoot-out tries were converted by Senegal’s Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, but Egypt’s second effort was missed when Abdelmonem’s strike hit the upright.
Gabaski saved Bouna Sarr’s attempt, while Mendy saved Mohanad Lasheen’s shot with ease, and Mane came up with the game-winning goal.