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Sadio Mane Congratulates "Heroic" Team After Senegal Win African Nations Championship

Senegal won the African Nations Championship on Saturday by beating Algeria 5-4 on penalties.

The final was watched by a crowd of nearly 40,000 fans at Nelson Mandela Stadium in Algiers.

Senegal had never previously won the tournament, which was first held in 2009 and has now had seven editions.

The champions topped Group B last month following wins over Ivory Coast and DR Congo, despite losing 1-0 to Uganda in their second game.

Senegal then recorded 1-0 wins over Mauritania and Madagascar to reach the final, which ended goalless after extra time.

Senegal's players pictured during their semi-final win over Madagascar in the 2022 African Nations Championship, held in Algeria in 2023

Senegal's players pictured during their semi-final win over Madagascar at the 2022 African Nations Championship, held in Algeria in 2023

The African Nations Championship, commonly abbreviated to CHAN, is different to the Africa Cup of Nations.

In the African Nations Championship, national teams can only select players who are currently based at clubs in their own country.

For example, Senegal could not call-up leading scorer Sadio Mane because he currently plays for Bayern Munich in Germany.

Nevertheless, Mane was a keen spectator on Saturday.

Mane posted multiple videos to his Instagram story while he was watching the final on television.

He later sent a message of congratulations to Senegal's players following their famous victory.

"Dear brothers," wrote Mane alongside a photo of the victorious Senegal team.

"All Senegalese people are proud of your journey. You were heroic on all levels. Bravo for this continental coronation.

"Congratulations to the technical management and all the supporters. The work continues!!!"