Senegal 0-0 (4-2 on pens) Egypt
Senegal kept their nerve to beat Egypt in a penalty shootout at a packed Olembe Stadium to win the Africa Cup of Nations 2021. The Lions of Teranga were the best team in the tournament but they were pushed all the way in a pulsating clash by Egypt.
The final brought together Liverpool colleagues Mo Salah and Sadio Mane, and it was Senegal’s Mane who had an early penalty saved by Gabaski, the best chance of normal time. The Egypt keeper was outstanding throughout the 120 minutes of play but there was redemption for Mane as he hammered home the shootout penalty which gave Senegal a famous victory and their first-ever AFCON title.
Highlights of the game
Senegal’s Africa Cup of Nations 2021 results had been impressive throughout while Egypt had more of a battle. Each of their knockout games went into extra time, including a gruelling semi-final win over Cameroon.
The opening exchanges seemed to show that the Lions of Teranga had the energy to take the game to the Pharaohs. And that golden opportunity arrived with just seven minutes on the clock. Saliou Ciss took a wonderful touch into the area and Mohamed Abdel Monem slid in to give away the penalty.
Mane stepped up, joined by his mate Salah, and they both had words with keeper Gabaski. The mind games were at work and the Egyptians won that bout as Mane hit his spot kick with power, but too close to Gabaski and the stopper made a great save. He was the hero in Egypt’s shootout win over Cameroon and started this game just how he might have dreamed.
Senegal were on top but at the other end of the pitch Salah showed what he can do, turning the Lions’ defence inside out before drilling in a low shot which Edouard Mendy saved. And the Chelsea keeper had to be alert again to beat away a Salah shot at his near post in the last action of the first half. The Lions started the second period as they had the first and almost broke through five minutes in. Ismaila Sarr fired in a low cross which nearly fell for Mane, but the brilliant Gabaski saved at the striker’s feet.
But while the Lions continued to dominate possession, Egypt had two big chances to win it. First Abdel Monem headed over, and then Hamdy Fathy did just the same with an even better opportunity.
Marseille striker Bamba Dieng almost gave Senegal an extra-time lead when he headed down towards the corner but Gabaski made another brilliant save. Second period of extra time, same two players, same outcome…this time Dieng hit a fierce low shot which Gabaski saved well. Then at the death Mendy had to make a reaction save to keep out Hamdy’s powerful drive, if it had been a metre either side of the Chelsea keeper Egypt would have snatched a win.
Key statistics
The Africa Cup of Nations 2021 betting odds backed a Senegal win and they had the better of the first half, with 55 per cent possession and three shots on target to two. At 90 minutes the possession was the same and the shots on target stood at five to two.
This was the first time Senegal went into extra time in this competition and the fourth time Egypt had gone the distance. At 120 minutes the Senegal possession had increased to 58 per cent and Gabaski had made eight saves to Mendy’s three.
This was the sixth penalty shootout in the last 12 AFCON finals and one which Senegal and Mane will never forget.
What’s next?
In the penultimate AFCON game, a thrilling third-place play-off, the hosts Cameroon came from three goals down to level with Burkina Faso and win the tie on penalties.
And now we’re back to domestic matters and the action just keeps on coming for SBOTOP football fans. Liverpool came through a 4th Round FA Cup tie against Cardiff City on Sunday and then they continue their pursuit of Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Reds host Leicester City on Thursday, and Salah and Mane could well be in contention for that big game. Liverpool currently sit nine points behind the Sky Blues, who are at home to Brentford on Wednesday night.
Meanwhile, in Italy, the Coppa Italia quarter-finals take place between Tuesday and Thursday and the tie of the round is at the San Siro where Inter Milan host Roma and their former head coach Jose Mourinho, and we’ll also be previewing another Milan/Rome tussle as Milan host Lazio.
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