Senegal beat Algeria in the final of the 2022 African Nations Championship (CHAN) to win their first-ever title on Saturday, February 4.

The home-based Teranga Lions ended Algeria’s hopes of experiencing a host and win tournament as they defeated them 5-4 on penalties at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

In a year in which they had won the renowned Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as well as the Beach Soccer AFCON, Pape Thiaw’s team will look back and be happy with their performance on the night they completed the treble for the West African nation.

The opening minutes of the final, which would crown a new champion for the continental competition organised for players who compete in their domestic leagues, felt anxious on both sides.

The intensity increased as Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho issued four yellow cards in the first 30 minutes, but they both soon calmed down and began to focus on getting the upper hand.

There were no goals to separate both teams at the end of the first 45 minutes of the game.

The Senegal bench was on the edge of their seats as Senegal came close to scoring in the 56th minute, but Diallo’s long-range attempt from beyond the box flew over the crossbar.

The game proceeded to extra time after no goals were recorded in the second half before eventually heading penalties.

Aimen Mahious and Ahmed Kendouci missed their turns from the spot while despite Cheikhou Ndiaye also missing from the spot Senegal went ahead to win the trophy.

Algeria, meanwhile, set a new tournament record by going six games in a row without conceding.