Senegal’s President Macky Sall has declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the national football team’s win at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
The president, who was outside the country, cancelled the last leg of his trip to welcome back the football stars to Senegal on Monday.
President Sall will award the team on Tuesday at the presidential palace, public broadcaster RTS television reported.
After two hours of efforts and goal-scoring opportunities, Senegal won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in the Olembé stadium of Yaoundé. As they faced 7-time champion Egypt, the Teranga Lions didn’t surrender.
The men of Aliou Cissé beat Egypt on Sunday, February 6 with a 4-2 win in the penalty shoot-out. In the Olembé stadium of Yaoundé, the Teranga Lions gained the upper hand on the Pharaohs of Mo Salah.
This victory crowns an entire tournament for Mané’s teammates. Starting in the 4th minute, Mohamed Abou Gabal, the Egyptian goalkeeper, made a save. This missed penalty did not get the fingers of the Senegalese burnt. Despite a 57% ball possession Senegalese faced a phenomenal Egyptian goalkeeper.
Tied 0-0 by the end of the second half, the two teams had to come back on the pitch. During extra-time goal-scoring chances on both sides didn’t turned into actual goals.
The penalty shoot-out eventually settled the squads. With two miss from the penalty spot, Egypt lost to the Senegal.
Sadio Mané and his team offer the 16 million Senegalese their very first African Cup of Nations title.
