Mané breaks Egyptian hearts as Senegal reach AFCON final

Senegal edge cagey semifinal in Tanger

Sadio Mané once again proved decisive on the Africa Cup of Nations stage as Senegal defeated Egypt 1–0 in a tense semifinal in Tanger. The late strike ended Mohamed Salah’s hopes of finally lifting the AFCON trophy and sent the reigning champions into another continental final.

The matchup, a rematch of the 2021 final, was billed as a duel between two African greats. But while Salah arrived with four goals in four games, it was Mané who delivered the defining moment in a contest that offered few chances and little attacking ambition.

A first half short on quality and risk

The opening period was scrappy and cautious, with neither side willing to take control. Egypt, in particular, set up conservatively and offered almost nothing going forward, focusing instead on frustrating Senegal’s more talented attacking unit.

The half was notable mainly for disciplinary issues. Hossam Abdelmaguid and Kalidou Koulibaly were both booked, meaning neither would have featured in the final had their teams progressed. Koulibaly’s night ended early when he was forced off with an apparent groin injury, replaced by 20-year-old Mamadou Sarr.

Despite dominating possession, Senegal struggled to create clear openings. Pape Gueye fired straight at Mohamed El Shenawy in the best chance of the half, while a brief clash between Salah and Mané just before halftime sparked a touchline confrontation and momentarily lifted the atmosphere.

Senegal turn the screw after the break

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Senegal pushing higher and Egypt remaining passive. Lamine Camara tested El Shenawy from distance, while Egypt’s long-ball approach repeatedly handed possession back to the Senegalese midfield.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. Camara’s shot was blocked and the ball fell kindly to Mané on the edge of the box. He controlled calmly before driving a low finish into the corner, a goal worthy of deciding a semifinal.

Egypt leave it too late

Pape Gueye almost sealed the win moments later, but Egypt only truly chased the game in the final minutes. Mostafa Mohamed headed wide before Omar Marmoush forced Edouard Mendy into a late save in stoppage time.

It was not enough. Senegal march into their fourth AFCON final, while Egypt suffer their first semifinal defeat at the tournament in 42 years.