Senegal Clobbers Egypt To Lift The Lift The AFCON Cup

Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties shootout during the AFCON Finals played at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde. The game got off to the worst start for Egypt who is no stranger to tasting success as Senegal was awarded a penalty to Sadio Mane (Liverpool star), with just four minutes on the clock.

However, Mane blew that early chance for Senegal as his penalty was saved by Mohamed Abou Gabal, (Gabaski) the Egypt goalkeeper who dived to his right to keep it out.

Despite Senegal dominating the majority of the game and having the better chances, Senegal was not able to capitalize for so long, as Egypt grew into the game late on.

The Pharaohs had their first shot in the 28th minute from Mohamed Salah a thorn in the side of the Egyptian defense who is also a Liverpool star made the attempt, weaving his way past a couple of Senegal team players before his shot was saved by Edouard Mendy, Senegal goalkeeper.

The Senegal goalkeeper made a save at his left-hand post from another Salah effort late in the first half, whipping a left-footed shot toward the top corner from a tight angle.

In the second half, Senegal continued to make most of the attacking play with their first effort on goal after the break a low shot from Nampalys Mendy in the 50th minute which was directed straight at Gabaski who made a fine save low to his left.

Both sides had chances to find a winner at the end of extra time, but they couldn’t be separated after 120 minutes of football and Mane might have been wondering whether his early penalty miss was going to prove costly for his team.

After 120 exhausting minutes, the match ended 0-0, with penalties left to decide who will take the cup home.

The shootout ended with Mane who sealed a historic maiden Africa Cup of Nations title for Senegal as he slotted in the spot-kick to defeat Egypt 4-2 on the penalties.

Despite the heartbreak, one positive that Egypt can take from this game is the outstanding performance of their goalkeeper Gabaski as he kept his country in the game with some incredible saves.

The 33-year-old saved Mane’s penalty at the beginning of the game. In total, Gabaski made eight crucial saves for Egypt.

By Natasha Ntheya