Senegal wins AFCON for the first time, gave some poetic justice for Senegal coach Aliou Cisse, who was captain of the side in 2002 when they lost the final on penalties to Cameroon after a goalless draw, having missed his kick in the shoot-out.
However, Egypt, who had to do without suspended coach Carlos Queiroz in the dug-out, battled to get into the game and created only half-chances, with their talisman Mohamed Salah largely ineffective.
Salah was in tears at the end, having also lost the 2017 final to Cameroon and seeing his Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane seal his fate this time around.
Senegal fluffed the chance for an early lead when Mohamed Abdelmonem’s late, reckless challenge brought down left back Saliou Ciss.
Goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved from Mohanad Lasheen in the shoot-out. He won the best goalkeeper of the tournament.
Mane stepped up to make history for the West African nation on Sunday, February 6, 2022 at the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon’s Yaounde, and banished the memories of the team’s 2019 failure when they lost the final to Algeria.
Mendy’s save gave Mane the chance to seal the win and gain just reward for Senegal, who had been by far the better side in the final but spurned numerous opportunities to win the game and he was named best player of the tournament.
Egypt had their goalkeeper Mohamed Abo Gabal to thank for getting them into the shoot-out as he was outstanding in keeping Senegal at bay in what was the 4th time in as many games they had played extra time in energy-sapping conditions.
