February 6, 2021, marked a historic day for Senegalese football as the national team clinched their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title after a dramatic final against Egypt at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé. In a match that went down to the wire, Sadio Mané’s decisive penalty in the shootout sealed the victory for Senegal, breaking a decades-long title drought and solidifying their place among African football’s elite.

The final match was a tense and thrilling encounter between two of Africa’s top footballing nations. Both teams had come into the match with strong performances throughout the tournament. Senegal, boasting a squad of top-tier talent including Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and Édouard Mendy, were favorites to win. On the other side, Egypt, led by their star player Mohamed Salah, sought to extend their record of seven AFCON titles.

The game remained goalless after 120 minutes of regular and extra time, despite multiple chances from both sides. Senegal pressed hard in the early stages, with Mané missing a penalty in the opening minutes after Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, pulled off a brilliant save. Egypt’s defense, organized and resilient, held firm against Senegal’s attacking threat, forcing the match into a penalty shootout.

In the shootout, Senegal held their nerve. While Salah never had the chance to take a penalty, it was Sadio Mané, who had missed earlier in the game, who stepped up to take the final and decisive kick. With the weight of the nation on his shoulders, Mané converted the penalty, sending the Senegalese fans into rapturous celebrations as they claimed a 4-2 victory on penalties.

Speaking after the match, Mané expressed his joy and relief. “This is the best day of my life and the best trophy of my life. I have won the Champions League and some other trophies, but this is the one that means the most to me. I am so proud for myself, my teammates, and my country,” said the Liverpool forward.

Senegal’s victory represents a monumental achievement for a team that had come close in the past but had fallen short. The team had reached the AFCON final twice before, in 2002 and 2019, but were unable to lift the trophy on those occasions. Head coach Aliou Cissé, who was part of the squad that lost the 2002 final, finally delivered the long-awaited title for his country, cementing his legacy as one of Senegal’s greatest football figures.

The 2021 AFCON tournament itself was widely regarded as a success, showcasing the talent and passion of African football. With thrilling matches, breakout performances, and moments of high drama, the competition reaffirmed its status as one of the world’s premier football tournaments. Senegal’s triumph was a fitting end to an exciting tournament, and their players, particularly Mané, Mendy, and Koulibaly, have been lauded for their outstanding performances throughout.

Football analyst John Bennett praised Senegal’s achievement, saying, “Senegal has been knocking on the door of African football greatness for years, and this victory feels like the culmination of that journey. They were the best team in the tournament, and this win will inspire future generations of Senegalese footballers.”

As Senegal celebrates their first AFCON title, the team’s focus will now shift to building on this success, with eyes on the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they hope to make an impact on the global stage.