Mané Goal Sends Senegal Into AFCON Final After 1–0 Win Over Egypt.
Sadio Mané is the TotalEnergies Man of the Match.
Accra, Ghana — Sadio Mane's late goal propelled Senegal into the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, as his solitary strike secured a 1–0 victory over Egypt in Wednesday’s semifinal clash in Tanger, Morocco.
In a match largely marked by tight defending and few clear chances, Mané broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, chesting down a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area before firing low past goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The goal proved decisive in Senegal’s first semifinal of the tournament, ending Mohamed Salah’s hopes of winning an elusive AFCON title with Egypt.
The contest, a rematch of the 2021 final, also carried the added narrative of former Liverpool teammates Mané and Salah facing each other again on Africa’s biggest stage. While Salah had been in strong scoring form throughout the tournament, Egypt struggled to create meaningful opportunities against a resilient Senegalese side. Senegal enjoyed more possession throughout the game and carved out the better opportunities, though clear-cut chances were at a premium. Egypt’s first shot on target came late in the match, and a late effort by Omar Marmoush in stoppage time was comfortably saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
In the buildup to Mané’s strike, Senegal attacked with increasing urgency. After a blocked effort from Lamine Camara, Mané seized on the rebound and rifled home the decisive finish. Pape Gueye nearly doubled the lead with a close-range chance soon after but missed the target. Earlier in the game, both teams had moments of promise that failed to produce goals. Senegal’s Lamine Camara tested El Shenawy with a long-range effort, while Egypt’s attempts to break through were largely frustrated by stout defending.
The result sends Senegal into their fourth Africa Cup of Nations final in recent history. For Egypt, it represents their first semifinal exit in 42 years, and a bitter end to Salah’s pursuit of a first continental title for his country.
The victory keeps Senegal’s hopes alive of lifting the prestigious trophy, with the final scheduled later in the tournament. Meanwhile, Egypt must regroup and focus on their next objectives after a narrow defeat that ended their campaign.
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