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PRO PHILANI AFCON WRAP: All Hail the Lions of Teranga

Pro Philani looks back at the AFCON 2021 finals between Egypt and Senegal. The 33rd edition of the AFCON 2021 came to an end as the Lions of Teranga were crowned champions of Africa for the first time ever in their history.
Image copyright - Steve Haag Sports

Pro Philani looks back at the AFCON 2021 final between Egypt and Senegal. The 33rd edition of the AFCON 2021 came to an end as the Lions of Teranga were crowned champions of Africa for the first time ever in their history.

Two women looking excitedly at cellphone

                                                Road to the final

As usual, Senegal started the tournament very slowly. In the group stages, the Lions of Teranga scored just one goal, won one match, and drew two, which was enough to see them top Group B with five points. This was seen as poor by the masses and coach Aliou Cisse was deemed not good enough. Senegal changed formation and gears in the knockout stages. They moved from a classic 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 and their fluidity was evident as goals started to come in.

Sadio Mane led from the front to ensure the Lions of Teranga reach the final again like they did in 2019 before losing to Algeria. In the final, Mane missed his fourth AFCON penalty when Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski denied him from the spot in the third minute. Both teams stretched each other until penalties and Senegal eventually became champions.

                                                  Losers’ final

A final no one wants to play. The third/fourth place playoff was won by the host nation in dramatic circumstances. Cameroon came back from 3 goals down against Burkina Faso to win the match 5-3 on penalties. Vincent Aboubaker came from the bench to score a brace that ensured the Indomitable Lions repeat their 1972 achievement of winning the bronze medal.

                          Mane named Player of the Tournament

Vincent Aboubakar was chasing an old record of most goals in a single tournament but the Al Nassr striker could only manage 8 and settled for the Golden Boot award. Ndaye Mulamba scored 9 goals for Zaire in the 1974 tournament.

Eduard Mendy was the recipient of Goalkeeper of the Tournament for his 3 clean sheets in the tournament. Sadio Mane was named Player of the Tournament.

                                        Goal of the Tournament

There were plenty of great goals scored in the AFCON 2021 and Hakimi of Morocco earns my vote for goal of the tournament.

 Coach of the Tournament

Aliou Cisse deserves to win this award for the job he has done and for representing African coaches with such great excellency.

                                                Nedbank Cup

Mamelodi Sundowns started 2022 on a positive note as they wiped out Richards Bay 4-0 at the Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu. Orlando Pirates survived a scare as they won their round 32 match 1-0 thanks to Deon Hotto goal. GladAfrica Championship side University of Pretoria humbled Chippa United by winning their tie 2-0.

Player of the week – Vincent Aboubaker

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