Egypt were looking for the 8th AFCON title, while Senegal were trying to lift the trophy for the first time after losing two finals
By Kehinde Okeowo
The highest ranked African side, Senegal lifted their first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy after defeating seven-time African champions, Egypt on penalty.
Senegal dominated the first half of the encounter and were rewarded with a penalty as early as the 7th minute which Sadio Mane failed to convert.
Mohamed Salah had a fine effort saved by Senegal goalkeeper, Edward Mendy, while Cheikhou Kouyate put an effort wide in the dying minutes of the half.
The Teranga Lions continued to dominate at the resumption of the second half with The Pharaohs waiting on counter-attacks and set-pieces.
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The match went into penalties after it ended 0 – 0 during the regular playing time of 90 minutes and the added extra time of 30 mins.
Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy then saved Mohanad Lasheen’s spot-kick to give Mane the chance to win the trophy for Senegal.
Meanwhile, Gabaski had made three good saves from Senegal’s Bamba Dieng in extra time.
Sadio Mane stepped forward to score the winning spot-kick as Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to clinch their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations.
It was the fifth encounter between Egypt and Senegal at the Africa Cup of Nations and the first such meeting since 2006, with Egypt winning 2-1 in the semi-final on their way to lifting the trophy that year.
In their four previous meetings at the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt and Senegal have won two games each, with three of the four matches finishing 1-0 (Egypt’s win in 2000 and Senegal’s in 1986 and 2002).
The Lions of Teranga won their first Africa Cup of Nations title, in their 16th appearance in the competition – no team have played in more AFCON tournaments without ever lifting the trophy.