South Africa are the 2021 Cosafa Cup champions after beating Senegal 5-4 on penalties at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday.

It took 120 minutes of play and sudden-death penalties for Bafana Bafana to eventually beat Senegal and be crowned the winners of the Cosafa Cup.

Senegal goalkeeper Pape Ndiaye who also happens to be the captain, went from hero to villain after missing Senegal’s last penalty.

His counterpart Veli Mothwa emerged as the hero on the day to lead Bafana Bafana to their first Cosafa Cup title since 2016 and fifth overall.

South Africa had not conceded a single goal throughout the course of the tournament but were in danger of suffering defeat in the shootout after Ethan Brooks had his attempt saved by Lions of Teranga shot-stopper Ndiaye, following four successful kicks.

Unlike Malawi which sent an ageing team, South Africa and Senegal had youthful sides that showcased beautiful football throughout the tournament.

Going into Sunday’s match, both sides did not make changes to the teams that took them into the final.

Chances were few and far between in regulation time with the best effort for either side coming from a set-piece.

Bafana Bafana dominated possession in extra-time with Senegal seemingly happy to have the game decided on penalties following their shootout success over Eswatini in the semifinals, but it would be South Africa to emerge victorious in the end.