Sadio Mané could have had a bad Sunday after missing a penalty kick in the opening moments of the CAN 2021 final against Egypt in the 5th minute but when it mattered most, he redeemed himself to help Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations.
Senegal won the penalty shootout, 4-2, after both teams failed to score in 90 minutes of regular time and 30 minutes of extra time.
It was Mané’s missed penalty in the first half that put Senegal in a position where they had to resort to penalties, but it was Mané’s confidence to finish the match that secured them the title of African champion after Edouard Mendy saved Mohamed Lasheen’s fourth kick for Egypt.
Certainly in the process, he was named best player of AFCON 2021. His offensive record is three goals and two assists.
Interviewed by Senegalese national television, RTS1, a very emotional Sadio Mané spoke a few words after the coronation of Senegal, new African football champions.
” It’s the most beautiful day of my life. Of all the cups I have won, I prefer this one by far… As a child, I cried when the national team lost a football match,” he confides.
