# Africa Cup of Nations Final: Senegal Triumphs Over Egypt 2-0, Mané Scores Twice
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final was a thrilling showdown as Senegal defeated Egypt 2-0 in a historic encounter at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon. The match, which was the culmination of the continent's premier football tournament, saw Senegal's star striker Sadio Mané net two goals, securing his team's victory and the trophy.
## The Final: Senegal vs. Egypt
The stage was set for a epic clash between two African giants. Senegal, led by the formidable Sadio Mané, were aiming to win their second Africa Cup of Nations title, while Egypt, the defending champions, were looking to retain their crown. The match was a clash of styles, with Senegal's aggressive attacking play contrasting against Egypt's tactical discipline and organizational strength.
## Key Moments
The game started at a intense pace, with both teams probing for weaknesses. Senegal's midfielders, led by Cheikhou Kouyaté, dominated possession early on, creating chances. The key moment came in the 36th minute when Mané, who had been tightly marked, broke free down the right flank and delivered a perfectly weighted cross into the box. Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, who was marked by Senegal's Théo Kouli, failed to convert a clear chance.
However, the Senegalese forward was not to be denied. In the 69th minute, Mané capitalized on a defensive error by Egypt's central defender, slotting the ball into the net from close range. The goal sent the Senegal supporters into a frenzy, and the team began to dominate possession.
## The Goals
Mané doubled his tally in the 85th minute with a stunning strike from outside the box. The shot, which flew into the top corner, was a moment of pure brilliance, cementing his status as one of Africa's greatest players. Despite a late surge by Egypt, led by the lively wingers, the Senegalese defense held firm, ensuring a well-deserved victory.
## Reaction
After the final whistle, Mané was mobbed by his teammates, who celebrated the hard-fought win. "This is for all the Senegalese people," Mané said, dedicating the victory to his nation. Senegal's coach, Aliou Cissé, praised his players' resilience and teamwork, calling the win "a great moment for Senegalese football."
Meanwhile, Egypt's goalkeeper, Mohamed El-Shardini, admitted that his side had paid the price for defensive lapses. "We had chances, but we didn't take them," he said, reflecting on the missed opportunities. The Egyptian fans, though, remained proud of their team's performance, promising to return stronger in the future.
## Implications
Senegal's victory not only secured them the Africa Cup of Nations title but also reinforced their status as one of the most dominant teams in African football. With Mané at the peak of his career, the team is poised to remain a force in future tournaments. Meanwhile, Egypt's campaign, though disappointing, showcased their talent and determination. The match has left fans across the continent eagerly anticipating the next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
## Conclusion
The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations final was a memorable occasion, a testament to the spirit of African football. Senegal's 2-0 victory over Egypt, powered by Sadio Mané's historic performance, will be remembered as one of the most thrilling finals in the competition's history. As the players celebrated on the pitch, one thing was clear: the legacy of African football continues to grow brighter with each passing tournament.