The Teranga Lions left it late to score the match-winner from the spot through Liverpool star Sadio Mane
Tournament favourites Senegal laboured to defeat Zimbabwe 1-0 in Group B opening game of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday.
By the 22nd minute, Mane came close to opening the scoring after running into the box from the left, but his low shot was saved by Zimbabwe goalkeeper Petros Mhari.
Zimbabwe had their fair share of the chances after the break but they could not make it count.
After struggling throughout the game to break down the resilient defence of Zimbabwe, Senegal were awarded a last-gasp penalty after the referee adjudged that Kelvin Madzongwe had handled the ball in his box very deep into stoppage-time.
Mane stepped up and blasted home the only goal of the game with the last kick and sent the Senegal supporters who were anxious throughout the game into wild jubilations.
Due to Covid-19 cases, Senegal were only able to name six substitutes.