Topics: AFCON 2021, Senegal, Egypt, Sadio Mane, Gabaski
The Senegalese attacker failed to give his side the upper hand in the early minutes of Sunday night's final.

Senegal was left to rue a missed chance in the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Sadio Mane squandering an early opportunity to put them ahead of Egypt. The 29-year-old attacker had a penalty saved by after hitting the ball directly at goalkeeper Gabaski inside the seventh minute.

The Lions of Teranga had a very bright start and were duly rewarded in no time after Mohamed Abdelmonem mistimed a tackle and hacked down Ciss inside the Eyptian penalty box. The Al Ahly defender was immediately shown a yellow card for the offense before the Senegal medical staff came to the aid of the player in agony. 

Sadio Mane's club teammate Mohamed Salah was subsequently seen in a conversation with goalkeeper Gabaski before the Senegal attacker joined in himself, apparently suggesting that he will be putting the ball to the right. Following the brief exchange, the latter had his effort saved, hitting the ball straight at the goalkeeper.

Had the Liverpool man converted his effort, he would have become his country's outright all-time top goalscorer in all competitions. Watch the moment below: