Sadio Mane Sends Senegal to Afcon 2025 Final with Late Winner Over Egypt
Sadio Mane once again proved to be the difference-maker as Senegal edged past Egypt 1-0 to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Tangier. Mane’s decisive strike extended his remarkable record against former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah, leaving the Egyptian superstar still waiting for his first continental title.

---

Mane’s Decisive Strike Secures Senegal Victory

The match remained tight and tense throughout, with both sides struggling to find clear-cut chances. Senegal finally broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, when a rebound fell to Mane outside the box. The forward unleashed a low right-footed shot inside the left-hand upright, giving goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy no chance.

This goal marked Mane’s third high-stakes international victory over Salah, following Senegal’s triumphs in the 2021 Afcon final and the 2022 World Cup play-off, both decided on penalties.

Despite Salah scoring four goals in Egypt’s run to the semi-finals—the forward’s highest tally at an Afcon—he was largely kept in check by Senegal’s organized defense. Egypt struggled to test Senegal’s goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with only a late long-range effort from Omar Marmoush testing the shot-stopper.

---

Senegal Will Face Hosts Morocco in the Final

Senegal now await Morocco in the Afcon 2025 final on Sunday at 19:00 GMT, after the hosts defeated Nigeria 4-2 on penalties in the second semi-final.

However, Senegal will be without key players Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra, both suspended after picking up their second yellow cards in the knockout stage. Koulibaly’s absence is particularly concerning, as he was already forced off midway through the first half due to injury.

---

Match Analysis: Senegal Dominate Despite Stiff Resistance

The contest was billed as a clash between Mane and Salah, but Senegal largely controlled the game. Nicolas Jackson had an early opportunity, firing over the bar in the first half, while Diarra and Pape Gueye tested El Shenawy on occasion.

Egypt’s attacking threat was limited. Omar Marmoush’s early chance was nullified when Senegal captain Koulibaly tripped him 30 yards from goal, earning a yellow card. A tense atmosphere on the sidelines was underlined by a brief confrontation between the Senegal and Egypt benches just before halftime after coach Pape Thiaw strayed into Egypt’s technical area.

After the break, Senegal maintained pressure with Lamine Camara and Iliman Ndiaye attempting long-range efforts, while Egypt introduced veteran forward Trezeguet at halftime without significantly altering the match’s balance.

The decisive moment came when Camara’s shot was blocked, allowing Mane to strike from 20 yards. The goal sparked celebrations but required confirmation via video assistant referee checks for a potential offside on Jackson and a handball on Mane, both of which were dismissed.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan made late substitutions, introducing Zizo, Mostafa Mohamed, and Salah Mohsen in a bid to find an equalizer. However, Egypt rarely threatened, with Mendy ultimately saving Marmoush’s late attempt, ensuring Senegal’s victory and a spot in the final.

---

Salah’s Ongoing Afcon Heartbreak

At 33, Salah now faces another missed opportunity to lift the Africa Cup of Nations. The Egyptian forward was previously a finalist in 2017 and 2021, with Egypt finishing runners-up, and was also sidelined by injury in the 2023 tournament.

Salah had described the 2025 Afcon as “the title I am waiting for” following Egypt’s quarter-final win over Ivory Coast, but he was unable to make an impact against Senegal’s resolute defense in Tangier. With the 2027 Afcon set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Salah may have only one final chance to claim the elusive trophy, particularly as the tournament will shift to a quadrennial schedule from 2028.

For Senegal, the victory ensures a chance to secure their second Afcon title, with the Teranga Lions aiming to add to their 2021 triumph. Egypt, meanwhile, will extend their wait for a first title since completing a hat-trick in 2010, suffering their first semi-final defeat since 1984.

---

Key Facts: Senegal 1-0 Egypt (Afcon 2025 Semi-Final)

Significance: Third international victory for Mane over Salah in high-stakes matches

Goal: Sadio Mane 78’

Senegal Suspended: Kalidou Koulibaly, Habib Diarra

Next Match: Senegal vs Morocco, Afcon Final, Sunday 19:00 GMT