History was made on Sunday as Senegal lifted the African Cup of Nations Trophy after beating Egypt on Penalties (4-2) with Sadio Mane scoring the winning penalty as the West African side win their first ever Africa Cup of Nations.
The final was played in the beautiful Olembe Stadium, with the Senegalese players pressuring the Pharoahs of Egypt, as the pressure yielded result in the opening ten minutes after a woeful tackle by Mohamed Abdelmonem on the energetic Senegalese full back Saliou Ciss resulting in a Penalty. Salah was seen discussing with his goal keeper Gabaski on possible tips of what angle to dive too, well that yielded result as Sadio Mane's penalty was saved.
The missed penalty did not stop the Senegalese players from mounting extra pressure on the Pharoahs. Senegal properly utilised the wings by use Ismaila Sarr on the right wing and Sadio Mane on the left yet the Egyptian defence stood still like the great Wall of China. Senegal had a hard time converting the opportunities they had into a goal while Egypt had maintained a defensive shape with the hope of having a break through for a quick counter which will be lead by Mo Salah
Egypt had very little damages on the Senegal defence with Mo Salah coming close to score but was brilliantly saved by Mendy the Senegalese goalkeeper.
The first half ended 0-0, but the start to the second half was different and more intense from both sides. Senegal dominated possession with a beautiful display of what African Football looks like while the Egyptians were forced to defend, the Introduction of substitutes created opportunities for goals for Senegal but all to no avail as Gabaski ensured that his side stay level with Senegal, pushing the final match into an extra 30 mins of 15 halves each and eventually penalties.
The penalties seem to be an advantage for Egypt because they had history with progressing in the competition with penalties. It took the goal keeping brilliance of Edouard Mendy to save the Penalty taken by Mohanad Lasheen putting destiny into Sadio Mane's hand to bring the trophy home. Sadio Mane stepped up to the occasion as it was a time for him to redeem his loss earlier in the game and he did that.
The Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Abo Gabaski would be considered a hero in his country as his brave penalty saves brought Egypt this far in the competition. This win would seem as a Football Justice for the coach of the Senegalese side Aliou Cisse who was a captain when they lost a final in 2002
Egypt would be thankful for the opportunity to get this far after building up momentum following a tough start to the competition, they also had to play in the absence of a suspended coach yet they maintained posture.
There will be no final without awards in the tournament
Goalkeeper of the Tournament- Edouard Mendy, the best goal keeper in the world proves to his continent why he is the best in the world with an amazing performance in the competition despite early Covid 19 challenges. Mendy had impressive clean sheets and Brilliant saves in the competition increasing his numbers of final in a calendar year.
Golden Boot Award- Vincent Aboubakar.
Aboubakar would be considered as one of the greatest footballer in the history of Cameroon football and Africa in general. The big striker scored a record of eight goals in the competition and was an impressive key player in his country's AFCON journey
Player of the tournament- Sadio Mane
Sadio Mane had an incredible run in this year's AFCON. He was the key player for his country, the player with most dribbles in the competition, very high goal contribution record and overall a beauty to watch in the green Senegalese jersey.
AFCON Final Man of the Match- Mohamed Abou Gabaski
The Egyptian goalkeeper certainly deserved this award and more if possible. He would be considered the hero behind Egypt's journey this year. He made Brillant saves in the final match to keep the hopes of his country alive and has previously saved penalties to take Egypt to the final
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Congratulations Senegal.
Super congratulations