Senegal won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations on February 6, beating Egypt 4-2 in penalties. Sadio Mané’s shootout goal in Yaoundé ended a decades-long wait. The final, 0-0 after extra time, tested both sides’ nerves. Mo Salah’s Egypt fell short, a bitter repeat of 2017. Senegal’s first AFCON title sparked wild celebrations. Mané erased his early miss with the clincher.
The game saw Mané’s penalty saved by Gabaski in the seventh minute. Senegal dominated play, but Egypt’s defense held firm. Extra time brought no goals, just tension. Édouard Mendy’s saves in the shootout turned the tide. Salah didn’t shoot, a tactical twist that failed. Senegal’s joy contrasted Egypt’s silence.
The Lions of Teranga beat Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea en route. Mané’s Liverpool form carried over, a national hero. Egypt’s run included Cameroon, a host upset. The final drew 50 million viewers, a continental peak. Senegal’s youth, like Ismaïla Sarr, hinted at more. The trophy was Aliou Cissé’s dream.
Post-win, Dakar partied for days, Mané the king. Egypt regrouped, eyeing World Cup redemption. The 2022 AFCON crowned Senegal at last. Fans danced to Youssou N’Dour’s tunes. The victory was a soccer rebirth. Senegal roared as Africa’s best.
