CAN 2021 - Senegal finally breaks the curse!

After two lost finals, Senegal can finally lift the African Cup of Nations trophy after a final that was played during an unbreathable penal...

After two lost finals, Senegal can finally lift the African Cup of Nations trophy after a final that was played during an unbreathable penalty shootout against Egypt ( 0-0, 4 tab 2)!

The curse is over for Senegal. For the first time in their history, the Lions of Teranga are African champions. Admittedly, they still haven't managed to score in the final, but that's obviously the least of their worries. After a 0-0 and a defeat on penalties in 2002 against Cameroon, and the 1-0 loss of the last edition (in 2019) against Algeria, it is again on penalties that the history of an entire country has been played out. Sadio Mané missed a penalty in the seventh minute of play in regular time, against the new Egyptian hero Gabaski. And finally, it was he who converted the decisive shot on goal offering the long-awaited trophy to Senegal, allowing them to win the session 4-2. Both Gabaski and Edouard Mendy made a save, but the latter was also saved once by his post.

As often in this CAN, and as often in the final, the match is far from having reached heights. The Pharaohs had very few chances, almost none, and it was Aliou Cissé's men - beaten as a player in 2002, then coach in 2019 - who showed the most play, particularly during the first half hour. During extra time, Bamba Dieng also picked up Gabaski three times (91st, 100th, 115th). But it was definitely not a question of flights or manner: Mohamed Salah did not have the slightest opportunity to put himself in sight, and it is his Liverpool teammate who reaps all the honors. No eighth title for Egypt. Senegal becomes the fourteenth country to win the African Cup. The anomaly is repaired.