YAOUNDE, Feb. 7 (Xinhua) -- Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) for the first time on Sunday night, beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw in the final at the Olembe Stadium in Yaounde.
The Teranga Lions of Senegal showed extraordinary determination in the first half, dominating the North Africans and earning a penalty that was missed by star player Sadio Mane just seven minutes into the final.
Both teams tried to score throughout the second half, but all their efforts were in vain. After 30 scoreless minutes of extra-time, the game went to penalties.
After a tense shootout, Senegal forward Mane scored the decisive spot-kick to give Senegal their first ever AFCON trophy.
After reaching the final in 2002 and 2019, Senegal restored their reputation on the African football scene with the victory.
"It was long, it was difficult. At times complicated but we never gave up. We are very happy. We dedicate this victory to the Senegalese people," Senegal coach Aliou Cisse told reporters after the match.
Gambia was the biggest surprise of the four-week tournament held in Cameroon. They arrived at their first AFCON tournament as the lowest-ranked team, but staged a formidable campaign to reach the quarterfinal before losing 2-0 against Cameroon to finally bring an end to their fairytale run.
Even after elimination, messages of celebration praising their performances flooded social media.
Host nation Cameroon gained consolation for their semifinal defeat to Egypt, coming back from three goals down to beat Burkina Faso on penalties to win a bronze following a 3-3 draw.
Cote d'Ivoire will host the next edition of the 24-nation tournament next year. ■