Featured Image Credit: Twitter
Topics: Senegal, Egypt, Africa Cup Of Nations, Sadio Mane
Ryan Sidle
Senegal won their first Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday, and the scenes when they returned to Senegal on Monday were incredible.
It took a penalty shootout against Egypt, the most successful country in the tournament's history, for Senegal to capture their first African title.
The shoot-out caused controversy as Mohamed Salah chose to go last for Egypt but didn't get the chance to take his spot kick, as his teammates had already missed and left club colleague Sadio Mane to score the winner.
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It wouldn't have mattered to Mane or his fellow countrymen, as they finally reached the promised line, having lost in the final in 2002 and 2019.
And fans back home didn't care either, as they celebrated the return of the team in Dakar on Monday night and thousands joined in the bus parade to welcome the players home.
Senegal had the best chance of the first 90 minutes, when Mane had the chance to score from the penalty spot, after Saliou Ciss was fouled in the box.
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The Liverpool forward stepped up to take the spot kick, but not before his Reds' teammate Salah had spoken to Egypt keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal and given some words of advice.
Salah's plan worked as the keeper saved the effort and things remained locked at 0-0 after 90 minutes and again after 120 minutes.
All three of Egypt's knockout games had gone to extra time and two had been won on penalties, but they weren't better for the experience.
Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen both missed their attempts, with Bouna Sarr missing for Senegal, giving the chance for Mane to redeem himself from earlier, which he did to secure the title and leave Salah looking on.