Senegal Score First Africa Cup of Nations Title
The final match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament saw a thrilling showdown between Senegal and Egypt on Sunday, 6 February, and in the end, Senegal found themselves lifting the silverware for the first time ever.
The crowds at Paul Biya Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon were treated to an intense game between the Lions of Teranga and seven-time winners Egypt, with Mohamed Salah as their skipper.
Both sides gave it their all – despite several close calls – but once the full-time whistle blew after extra time, and the scoreboard saw a deadlock of 0–0, the game went into penalty shoot-outs.
The moment of glory arrived when forward Sadio Mane scored the winning penalty to make it 4-2, making Senegal AFCON champions for the first time ever.
Senegal head coach, Aliou Cisse, was overjoyed in a post-match interview, saying: “I dedicate this victory to the Senegalese people. For years, we have been chasing this cup. Today, we will be able to put a star on our jersey.”
Mane and the national team swiftly returned home to a hero’s welcome, and Senegal’s president Macky Sall declared that Monday, 7 February, be a public holiday so that his nation could celebrate the Lions’ incredible victory.
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