The local Teranga Lions of Senegal are the winners of the just ended 7th edition of the African Nations Championship, CHAN.
The West African country, Senegal outsmarted host, Algeria later on Saturday, February 4, 2022 on penalty shoots, 5 – 4 to win the coveted trophy at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.
Pape Thiaw’s boys played a goalless draw at normal time with the Desert Foxes before overpowering them in their backyard in penalty kicks to lift the historic trophy, first ever for the local Teranga Lions.
The penalty shoot-outs came in to determine the final winner. And just as supporters were hoping for another set of five penalty shots, Aymen Mahious of Algeria missed his shot, giving the mantle of victory to Senegal who had scored all its five penalty shots.
And so did it end in tears for Algeria and celebration for Senegal, lifting its first CHAN title and the first for West Africa as well.
Worthy of note is the fact that Senegal was also winner of the 2021 AFCON and Beach Soccer. Indeed it is Senegal’s time in African football as she is gradually becoming the midway to continental tournaments.
Other Awards at the CHAN 2022
Senegalese Attacker, Mamadou Lamine Camara received the Man of the Match award, his third of such at the 2022 CHAN.
Senegalese Goalkeeper, Pape Mamadou Sy went home with the award of Best Goalkeeper. He is widely acclaimed for saving the shot from Algerian top scorer, Aymen Mahious at the greatly contested final of the tournament. His save paid off with a victory for Senegal.
Aymen Mahious of Algeria bagged home the Golden Boat after scoring five goals in the competition. He however missed a decisive penalty at the finals of the competition.
Algerian Midfielder, Houssem Eddine Mrezigue was named Best Player of the competition.
Senegal did not only emerge winner of the 2022 African Nations Championship but also earned the highly coveted Fair Play Award.
Eleanor Ayuketah Ngochi
