The 2021 African Cup of Nations has come to an end. Like other major tournaments, #AFCON2021 had moments that football enthusiasts would not be quick to forget. Timeline.ng outlines some of those unforgettable moments in no particular order.
1. Female referee officiates clash between Guinea and Zimbabwe
Salima Mukansanga entered record books as the first woman to officiate an AFCON match. Many were awe-struck when she entered the field of play with the ball in her hands, accompanied by three other male officials. That moment was
epic and her commendable officiating of the match was considered by many as a positive start for female refereeing in the African continent.
2. Janny Sikazwe's diabolical refereeing
In what many would consider described as a shameful day for African football, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe prematurely ended the match between Tunisia and Mali twice.
Sikazwe initially blew for the final whistle at 85 minutes as he got his timekeeping all wrong. He went on to blow for full time once more before the clock had ticked over to the 90-minute mark.
Days later, the Zambian who officiated at the 2018 World Cup, attributed his erratic performance to the intense Cameroon heat.
3. Comoros' makeshift goalkeeper forgets role
When outfield player, Chaker Alhadhur was tasked with the job of manning Comoros goal post as a makeshift goalkeeper, he thought it would be an easy job.
However, in the heat of Comoros clash with Cameroon, he found himself in a one-on-one situation with Vincent Aboubakar and hilariously placed his hands in his back, forgetting that he was meant to spread them for a possible save.
4. Gabadinho Mhango's stunner against Morrocco
If there was an award for the best goal of the 2021 AFCON tournament then Gabadinho Mhango would have a plaque in his cabinet in recognition of the goal he scored from near the middle of the pitch. It was such a stunner that social media was awash with the clip for days.
5. Cameroon's incredible comeback against Burkina Faso
The football world would not be quick to forget how Burkina Faso wasted a three-goal lead and eventually lost the chance to win Bronze to Cameroon.
Early in the second half, Burkina Faso was leading with 3 goals, a lead they maintained until the 71st minute before Goals from Stephane Bahoken and Vincent Aboubakar sent the two sides to extra time and a penalty shoot-out.
Needless to say much, Burkina Faso woefully lost 3—5 to Cameroon. A humiliating and bitter defeat for The Stallions.
6. Senegal Wins 2021 AFCON
The Lions of Teranga roared past the Pharaohs of Egypt on Sunday night to clinch their first-ever AFCON title.
Led by Liverpool star Sadio Mane, Senegal overcame Mohamed Salah's Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shoot-out at Sunday's final in Cameroon. The game had finished goalless after extra time.
The victory comes after two previous final defeats in 2002 and 2019. It meant a lot for Senegal's President Macky Sall excitedly declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the national football team.
The Lions will be decorated by Sall on Tuesday at the presidential palace in Dakar, RTS television.