Senegal beat Egypt in shootouts at Paul Biya Stadium in Olembe to clinch their maiden Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday.
The 90 minutes ended goalless with Sadio Mane seeing his first half penalty saved by an outstanding Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabaski.
Nothing could separate both sides in extra time to force penalty shootouts where Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy kept out Mohanad Lasheen’s penalty.
Mohamed Abdelmonem (Egypt) had sent his penalty onto the post while Gabaski saved Ismaila Sarr’s kick and Mane held his nerve to score his title winning penalty.
Senegal were the better side throughout and could have won it before shootouts but were denied by Gabaski on various occasions.
But they will not care after persevering to win their first ever AFCON title.
It was a sigh of relief for coach Alliou Cisse who was the captain as Senegal lost to Cameroon in 2002 finals held in Mali.
Senegal had lost the 2019 final to Algeria in Egypt but they have been third time lucky thanks to a solid performance displayed throughout the tournament where they conceded just two goals.
