Mané Strikes Late As Senegal Defeat Egypt To Book AFCON Final Spot
Senegal secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday night to reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a late strike from Sadio Mane in their semi-final clash in Tangiers.
The Teranga Lions dominated possession throughout the encounter, eventually breaking Egypt’s resistance in the 78th minute when Mane calmly finished after sustained pressure, sending Senegal into another AFCON final.
With the win, Senegal will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in Sunday’s final, as they continue their dominance over the Pharaohs in recent years. The West African giants had previously beaten Egypt in the 2022 AFCON final and during the 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff—both decided by penalty shootouts.
This time, however, Senegal sealed the result in regulation time.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was largely neutralised by Senegal’s disciplined defence, limiting his influence in what marked his fifth AFCON appearance. The Liverpool star has now finished runner-up twice in the tournament and remains without a continental title.
Senegal suffered an early setback when experienced centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly was booked in the 17th minute for fouling Omar Marmoush. The yellow card ruled him out of the final due to accumulation. Matters worsened shortly after as Koulibaly picked up an injury and was forced off, with Mamadou Sarr coming on as his replacement.
Despite their dominance, Senegal struggled to create clear-cut chances in the first half. Nicolas Jackson fired over the bar, while Pape Gueye tested goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy with a tame effort that was comfortably saved.
Tempers flared late in the first half as heated exchanges erupted between the Senegal and Egypt benches, prompting head coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan to intervene and restore calm following a warning from the referee.
Egypt’s best moment before the break came in stoppage time when a Mohamed Salah free-kick flashed dangerously across the goalmouth but evaded everyone.
The second half followed a similar pattern, with Egypt sitting deep and relying on defensive organisation, while Senegal continued to probe patiently. Egypt failed to register a shot on target or earn a corner as the pressure mounted.
The breakthrough finally arrived with 12 minutes remaining. A long-range effort from Lamine Camara was deflected into the path of Mane, who struck a low shot past El Shenawy to send the Senegalese bench into celebration.
The goal proved decisive, sealing Senegal’s place in yet another AFCON final and keeping their hopes of continental glory firmly alive.