Senegal Wins AFCON for the First Time

In a historic moment for Senegalese football, the national team won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time on February 6, 2022, defeating Egypt in a thrilling final held at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

The match concluded with a dramatic penalty shootout after a goalless draw in regular and extra time. Senegal triumphed 4-2 on penalties, with Liverpool star Sadio Mané converting the decisive penalty kick. The victory comes after years of near misses for Senegal, who had previously finished as runners-up in 2002.

Match Details

Senegal entered the final under the leadership of coach Aliou Cissé, who had previously experienced the disappointment of losing in the final as a player. The match saw both teams display solid defensive skills, resulting in a goalless stalemate. Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, made crucial saves throughout the match, earning praise for his performance.

During the penalty shootout, Mané initially missed a penalty in the first half, only to redeem himself by scoring the final kick, sending the Senegalese fans into jubilation. The team celebrated their hard-fought victory amid scenes of excitement across the country.

National Reactions

In recognition of this monumental achievement, President Macky Sall declared February 7, 2022, a public holiday to allow the nation to celebrate. Thousands of fans took to the streets of Dakar, dancing and singing in celebration. “Today I think we deserved to win this title,” said Kalidou Koulibaly, the team captain, highlighting the team’s determination and resilience throughout the tournament​

Senegal’s triumph at AFCON not only marks a significant milestone in the nation’s football history but also showcases the growing competitive spirit of African football on the international stage.