AFCON 2025: Mane Outshines Salah as Senegal Edge Egypt to Reach Final

Senegal booked their place in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Wednesday night.

The Lions of Teranga started brightly, dominating possession in the opening exchanges and forcing Egypt to defend deep. The Pharaohs grew into the contest midway through the first half but struggled to create clear chances, while Senegal’s attacking efforts lacked precision. Tensions boiled over just before the break as frustration sparked a touchline scuffle, but the score remained goalless at halftime.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Senegal applying pressure and Egypt relying on counter-attacks. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute when Sadio Mané capitalized on a loose ball at the edge of the box, rifling home a decisive strike to give Senegal the lead.

Despite Egypt’s late push, Senegal held firm to secure their passage to the final, where they will face the winner of Morocco vs Nigeria.

Final Score:
Senegal 1 (Mané 77’)
Egypt 0

Senegal XI: Mendy; Diatta, Koulibaly (M. Sarr 23’), Niakhate, Diouf; Diarra (Camara 46’), I. Gueye, P. Gueye (Ciss 90’); I. Ndiaye (I. Sarr 85’), Jackson (C. Ndiaye 85’), Mané

Egypt XI: El-Shenawy; Hany, Rabia (Zizo 81’), Abdelmaguid, Ibrahim; Fetouh (Trezeguet 46’), Attia, Fathy (Mohsen 90’); Ashour (Mohamed 83’), Salah, Marmoush