Senegal erupts in celebration after historic AFCON win over Egypt [Photos]

Senegal fans celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 final match between Egypt and Senegal in Dakar, Senegal February 6, 2022. [Reuters, Zohra Bensemra]

The streets of  Dakar erupted in celebration after the Lions of Teranga beat Egypt 4-1 on post-match penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final. 

Senegal v Egypt - Olembe Stadium, Yaounde, Cameroon - February 6, 2022, Senegal's Kalidou Koulibaly lifts the trophy after winning the Africa Cup of Nations [Reuters, Mohamed Abd El Ghany]

Liverpool star Mane stole the show last night as Senegal washed away their AFCON final hoodoo to win the first-ever trophy at the Paul Biya Olembe Stadium.

Mane, had fluffed his lines earlier in the game after missing a penalty in the seventh minute, after a foul inside the area by Mohamed Abdelmonem.

Senegal fans celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 final match between Egypt and Senegal in Dakar, Senegal February 6, 2022. [Reuters, Zohra Bensemra]

The West Africans were dominant throughout the game and kept the Egyptian goalkeeper Abou Gabal ‘Gabanski’ on his toes from the opening whistle. 

Gabanski, has been outstanding in the tournament, considering he came in for an injured Mohamed El Shenawy and was harbouring an injury himself.

Senegal fans celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 final match between Egypt and Senegal in Dakar, Senegal February 6, 2022. [Reuters, Zohra Bensemra]

For head coach Aliou Cisse, this was a long road to victory. Managing Senegal for 8 years, a record by an African coach. Cisse was part of the squad that lost 2002 final. He also watched in pain as his team surrendered the AFCON trophy to North Africans Algeria in 2019. 

 “I am African champion. It was long, it was difficult, sometimes complicated, but we never gave up. “I dedicate this victory to the Senegalese people. For years, we have been chasing this cup. Today we will be able to put a star on our jersey,” said an elated Cisse.

Senegal fans celebrate after winning the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 final match between Egypt and Senegal in Dakar, Senegal February 6, 2022. [Reuters, Zohra Bensemra]

Mane, was quick to console his Liverpool teammate Mo Salah after the last penalty, capping off an entertaining AFCON final, with two of the best African Players on the continent.

The deadly duo could feature for the Reds in less than a week when they face Leicester in the Premier League on Thursday. If not, Jurgen Klopp should include them in the side that travels to Burnley on Sunday.

Senegal’s fans were delighted after winning the Africa Cup of Nations 2021 final match between Egypt and Senegal in Dakar, Senegal February 6, 2022. [Reuters, Zohra Bensemra]

Senegal President Macky Sall declared today a national holiday, to celebrate the country's first-ever AFCON win.

Sall welcomed the triumphant "Lions of Teranga" on their return to Dakar at 1300 GMT today.