Liverpool star Sadio Mane described Sunday, February 6, 2021, as the best day of his life after helping Senegal win their first Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
Mane scored the decisive penalty as the Teranga Lions beat seven-time champions Egypt in the shootout after a goalless draw in 120 minutes.
Senegal would have won regulation time had Mane scored before the 10th minute. He squandered a penalty but redeemed himself during the tense shootout.
"I won the Champions League and some [other] trophies but this is the special one for me. This is more important for me,” Mane said.
"I am happy for myself, my people and all of my family."
The Senegal star praised his teammates for giving him the strength to take a penalty in the shootout, where he converted the last spot-kick in the 4-2 triumph.
"When I missed the first penalty, it was a big blow for me," he continued.
"But my teammates came to me and said 'Sadio, we lose together and we win together. We know you. You have done too much for us - keep on going'.
"That made me stronger and I think it made the difference when I got the second one.
"All the boys came to me and said 'Sadio, we trust you' and that gave me more motivation. The trophy belongs to the whole Senegal team - everyone deserves it."
Mané was named player of the tournament.