Senegal returned to huge crowds cheering the new Africa Cup of Nations champions

A Sadio Mane decisive penalty saw Senegal beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the final at the Olembe stadium

It’s a first Africa Cup of Nations win for Senegal, having failed to win in two finals in 2002 and 2019.

Sadio Mane and teammates were treated to a heroes’ welcome on their return to Senegal following their historic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) victory. Aliou Cisse’s side lifted their first major tournament trophy by beating Egypt on penalties in the final at the Olembe stadium in Cameroon on Sunday.

Mane scored the all important penalty to help the Teranga Lions defeat Egypt 4-2 during shootouts after the game ended on stalemate after extra time.

In doing so, Mane broke his international trophy drought having won the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with Liverpool.

And after travelling home to capital city Dakar, the Senegal squad were treated to raucous welcome from ecstatic supporters.

Fans waving scarves and flags mobbed the team bus and tried to get a photo of their heroes as they cruised through the city. Mane looked almost overwhelmed by the reception. The superstar forward, currently a free agent, grinned and waved as he peered out the window.

For Senegal, it’s a first Africa Cup of Nations win, having failed to win in two finals in 2002 and 2019. Senegal Fans Celebrate First-Ever AFCON Title Earlier, SportsBrief reported how Senegal fans celebrated wildly the country’s first-ever Africa Cup of Nations triumph supporters as the Teranga Lions overcame Egypt via penalties.

Sadio Mane who had initially missed a spot-kick during the regulation time was the hero for Senegal as he converted the final penalty to give the West Africans a 4-2 victory.

According to The Punch, hundreds of supporters in Senegal jerseys flocked to Independence Square, near the presidential palace in the heart of Dakar, to celebrate.