Mendy Becomes AFCON Champion With Senegal
- Senegal win the trophy for the first time in their history after finishing as runners-up in 2019
- Early Sadio Mané penalty saved in Yaoundé, the Liverpool striker later netted the winning strike in the shootout
- The match went to penalties after finishing goalless in 120 minutes
- Leicester City's Papy Mendy was in the XI for Senegal and played the full match
Played at the Olembe Stadium in Cameroon, Mendy was named in head coach Aliou Cissé's starting XI for the fifth straight match at the competition, the Lions of Teranga chasing a first AFCON title against seven-time champions Egypt.
Senegal were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead after just four minutes when Saliou Ciss was fouled as he charged in to the area. Liverpool forward Sadio Mané took the spot kick but saw his effort blocked away by Egypt 'keeper Mohamed Abou Gabal.
Watford's Ismaila Sarr threatened when firing in another shot, before Foxes midfielder Mendy collected a yellow card for a foul on Omar Marmoush.
Famara Diedhiou sent a header goalwards, while at the other end Chelsea 'keeper Edouard Mendy had to be sharp to save a quickly-taken shot by Mo Salah.
Midfielder Idrissa Gueye was wasteful from a free-kick before forcing Abou Gabal into a save minutes later, Senegal building the pressure in the hunt for the final's opening goal.
As Egypt looked to score against the run of play, Marwan Hamdi headed narrowly wide of the upright, through as the whistle went for the end of 90 minutes the match remained goalless and heading to an extra 30 minutes in Yaoundé.
The first half of extra-time started brightly with Bamba Dieng firing across goal but off target for Senegal, Abou Gabal again the hero when he saved brilliantly from Dieng's header before half time.
Dieng once more brought the best from Abou Gabal, though Egypt created the final big chance of the 120 minutes when Hamdi forced a good save three minutes before the match headed to its shootout conclusion.
Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen were unsuccessful from 12 yards, allowing Mané the chance to make amends and smash home from the spot to spark wild celebrations on the pitch, as the nation celebrated their historic achievement.
Congratulations, Papy!