2021 AFCON Final: Sadio Mane's Senegal Stun Egypt on Penalties to Win Title for The First Time in History

2021 AFCON Final: Sadio Mane's Senegal Stun Egypt on Penalties to Win Title for The First Time in History

Fred Kennedy
updated at April 12, 2023 at 7:55 PM
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  • Senegal vs Egypt 2021 AFCON ended in a 4-2 win for the Lions of Teranga after post-match penalties
  • The two sides settled for a goalless draw after regulation time forcing the tie to be decided via post-match shootouts
  • Sadio Mane made amends to his previous penalty miss during the normal time to inspire Senegal to their first AFCON title

Senegal are the winners of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations staged in Cameroon.

Senegal's players celebrate on the podium after winning the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2021 final football match between Senegal and Egypt at Stade d'Olembe in Yaounde on February 6, 2022. (Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU)
Senegal vs Egypt 2021 AFCON ended in a 4-2 win for the Lions of Teranga after post-match penalties. Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU.
Source: Getty Images

The Lions of Teranga stunned Egypt 4-2 on post-match penalties to win the continental showpiece.

The thrilling match played at Olembe's Pau Biya Stadium had to be decided via the shootouts after both teams settled for a goalless draw in regulation time.

Sadio Mane, who missed a penalty during the first half turned hero in the shootouts as his spot-kick inspired Senegal to glory.

Senegal's journey to glory

Aliou Cisse's charges headed into the 2021 AFCON as favourites having reached the final of the 2019 edition staged in Egypt where they lost to Algeria.

Despite a somewhat unconvincing start in the Cameroon edition, the west African nation managed to seal qualification in the knockouts as group winners.

The side managed to see off Cape Verde in the last 16 before setting up a date with Burkina Faso in the semis following their 3-1 comfortable win over Equatorial Guinea in the quarters.

Another 3-1 win over Burkina Faso saw them set up a crunch final with Egypt who had seen off hosts Cameroon in their own semi-final.

How Senegal beat Egypt

Senegal had an electric start in their meeting with Egypt on Sunday, February 6, but were unable to put the game to bed early despite having glorious chances.

Senegal's best chance to score came inside four minutes of action when Ciss won a penalty for his side which Sadio Mane stepped up to take.

However, the Liverpool attacker saw his effort saved by Abou Gabal who was thoroughly impressive through the match.

Neither side was able to find the winner for the remainder of the match forcing the tie into extra-time and eventually the shootouts.

Bizarrely, Mohamed Salah did not take a spot-kick in the match as Senegal stormed to victory courtesy of Sadio Mane.

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Fred Kennedy
Fred Kennedy has a Bachelor's degree in journalism (Daystar University), currently working as a Sports Editor. He has more than five years of experience in digital journalism.
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