Senegal have been crowned 2021 Africa Cup of Nations champions after overcoming Egypt in a dreadful penalty shoot-out on Sunday evening.
The encounter had ended in a goalless draw at the Olembe Stadium in the Cameroonian City Yaoundé.
Senegal had a bright start after Sadio Mane was presented with a good chance to open the scoring in the ninth minute from a penalty, but he squandered the chance when his spot kick was saved by Mohamed Abou-Gabal.
The Lions of Teranga edged closer to a breakthrough, with Ismaila Sarr’s curler from the right side flashing past the top corner on 22 minutes.
Egypt were finding it difficult in launching attacks, with the West Africans not giving them time and space on the ball. However, Mostafa Mohamed tried his luck with a strike from range in the 28th minute that was eventually smothered by shot-stopper Eduardo Mendy at his near post.
The Pharaohs had the momentum and Mohamed Salah pushed for the opener near halftime, but Eduardo Mendy once more saved from point blank range to conclude the first half.
Idrissa Gueye came close to giving the Teranga Lions the lead five minutes after the halftime break but he failed to steer his header on target from six-yards out.
Mohamed Abdel-Moneim went close for the Egyptians in the 69th minute, flashing a header just wide of the upright.
Senegal were getting closer to an opener with 10 minutes remaining, as Bamba Dieng unleashed a powerful drive from just outside the box that was parried away heroically by Abou-Gabal.
Sarr had a wonderful opportunity for a goal in the last three minutes after the ball dropped kindly inside the box, but he got under it too much and sent his volley over the crossbar.
Both sides pushed forward in search of a winner but neither could find an opening in the 90 minutes and the game ended 0-0 with extra time looming.
Zamalek goalkeeper Abou-Gabal continued his brilliance Egypt goal in extra-time and in the end, the match went into a penalty shootout.
Eduardo Mendy proved to be the hero for the Teranga Lions as he saved Tala’ea El Gaish’s midfielder Mohanad Lasheen’s spot-kick and Senegal won 4-2 on penalties.
How they lined-up:
Egypt: Mohamed Abou-Gabal, Emam Ashour, Mahmoud El-Wensh, Mohamed Abdel-Moneim, Ahmed Fattouh, Hamdi Fathi, Mohamed Elneny, Amr El-Sulaya, Omar Marmoush, Mohamed Salah, Mostafa Mohamed
Senegal: Edouard Mendy, Bouna Sarr, Kalidou Koulibaly, Abdou Diallo, Saliou Ciss, Idrissa Gueye, Cheikhou Kouyate, Nampalys Mendy, Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane, Famara Diedhiou
