Favourites, Senegal, scored big Sunday night at the Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon, as they defeated Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out to lift their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title.
The energy-sapping cracker, in which the North Africans threw all they had but lost two penalties, brought the curtain down on the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations competition.
The match was barren at regulation and extra time, paving the way for the penalty shoot-out.
Sadio Mane, who missed a penalty in the 8th minute of the first half, redeemed himself and sent his country into wild jubilation with a perfect kick that made the Egyptian goalie see stars.
Even long before they qualified for Sunday’s final, many had tipped Senegal as the clear favourites to win their first ever title while Egypt, runner-up of the last edition, runner-up, were not given any chance. But the Pharaohs defied all odds and put up a formidable campaign that saw them play for a record extension eighth AFCON title.
The Liverpool star, Mane, also got the AFCON player-of-the- tournament award, after scoring three goals and assisting two.
Cote d’Ivoire are the host of the next AFCON coming up in 18 months from now.
.