Finally, after almost seven long years of being in charge and coming so close yet so far with the Lions of Teranga, Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse delivered the most prestigious title on the continent as he led his side to their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title in their history on Sunday night.Following the historic feat, the former player turned coach was feted with the best manager award as his team managed to emerge 4-2 winners in post-match penalties against record African champions Egypt who had dragged the game all the way after a barren stalemate both in regulation and extra time.🇸🇳 Current Senegal manager Aliou Cissé wins the best manager award in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/wnUkuscvV2— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) February 7, 2022 Appointed back in March 2015, Cisse finally got his redemption after years of having to stay patient in a field where instant gratification is given priority.Back in 2002, head coach Cisse, who was captain of the team then, missed the decisive penalty that allowed Cameroon to pip the title on their expense.In 2019, now as head coach of the team, a solitary goal by Baghdad Boudnejah was all the Desert Foxes needed to deny the manager a chance of laying his hands on the prestigious trophy.This was after he had seen his side crush out at the quarter-finals stage in the 2017 edition of the AFCON which was his first as the head coach since taking over managerial duties.Patience really paysSenegal have finally reaped from that in coach Aliou Cisse who was appointed back in March 2015After nearly 7 years,he finally wins the Lions of Teranga their first African titleHe lost in 2 previous finals as a player and coach#AFCON2021 #TeamSenegal pic.twitter.com/ylR2ww2By7— Ochi (@soo_ochieng) February 6, 2022 After the maiden win for the country, the former PSG player could not hide his euphoria as he dedicated the trophy to the Senegalese people who have always believed in him and were the first to call for a local coach at the national team.“I am an African champion. It was long, it was difficult, sometimes complicated, but we never gave up. I dedicate this victory to the Senegalese people. For years, we have been chasing this cup. Today we will be able to put a star on our jersey,” Cisse told the Independent.“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon has a special meaning. Winning against the most successful team in Africa is another symbol. For almost seven years, we have been working. Good job, guys.”Aliou Cissé:◉ Captained 🇸🇳 to their first-ever AFCON final in 2002◉ Captained 🇸🇳 to the World Cup QFs in 2002, no African side has gone further◉ Coached 🇸🇳 to their second AFCON final in 2019◉ Coached 🇸🇳 to their first-ever AFCON title in 2022#TeamSenegal icon. pic.twitter.com/LIdRzTP7Xt— Squawka Football (@Squawka) February 6, 2022 Liverpool striker Sadio Mane who had earlier missed a seventh-minute spot-kick, converted the decisive penalty in the shoot-out after the game had finished 0-0 following extra time to spark ecstatic celebrations both at the Stade d’Olembe in Yaounde and back at home.That it came after seven long years of Cisse being at the helm since being appointed back in March 2015 shows that sometimes, patience really pays and even though success might delay, it can never be denied with consistency.The Lions of Teranga defeat Egypt on post match penalties to lift their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title🏆Moment💥#AFCON2021 #TeamSenegal pic.twitter.com/aYjuU3506r— Mozzart Sport Kenya (@MozzartSportKe) February 6, 2022 Other Awards at the tournamentMost Valuable Player – Sadio Mane (Senegal)Golden Boot – Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon, 8 goals)Young Player of the Tournament – Issa Kabore (Burkina Faso)Fair Play Award – Senegal
