Sadio Mane went from villain to hero after missing a fifth-minute penalty to score the winner in the shootouts as Senegal beat Egypt to win the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Liverpool star added the AFCON title to his rich list of trophies which includes the English Premier League and the UEFA Champions League.
However, an excited Mane after being crowned player of the tournament revealed winning the Africa Cup of Nations trophy is the most important piece of achievement in his career.
“It’s not just the most important trophy but it is the most important day of my life, the best day of my life and so far the best trophy of my life,” said Sadio Mane to reporters.
“I just can’t express my feelings and I am very proud of what we have done,” he added. Sadio Mane had missed a penalty just five minutes into the game but elected himself for the winner in the shootouts. I wasn’t happy when I missed the penalty but the big difference today was my teammates,” said the forward. “After missing the penalty, everybody came to me in the dressing room that Sadio we don’t care what happened. We lose together and we win together,” he added.
Senegal are winning the title for the first time in their history after losing twice before last night’s finals.