Senegal overcomes Egypt to win AFCON 2021

Sadio Mané overcame Mohammed Salah in the battle of Liverpool’s superstars to help Senegal win her first African Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory.

Senegal became the champions of Africa by beating Egypt 4-2.

A penalty shoot-out decided the outcome after a goalless 120 minutes in Cameroon, on a night of fluctuating and extreme emotion for the Anfield strikers.

For Mané – already a national hero – there was the ecstasy of converting the winning penalty to end his country’s excruciating wait to be African nations. His moment of glory came after he had earlier missed from the spot during normal time.

By contrast, Salah was left in tears after Egypt’s courageous efforts for an eighth title went unrewarded. Chelsea’s Edouard Mendy also secured legendary status, his critical save from Mohanad Lasheen in the shoot-out allowing Mané to step forward and shoot his way into folklore.

The rivalry between Liverpool’s duo dominated the build-up to the final, and came to the fore within six minutes. Details later…