Sadio Mané scored late to send Senegal into the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and extend Mohamed Salah’s wait for a first continental title with Egypt.
Mané struck in the 78th minute in Tangier, firing a low right-footed shot into the corner after the ball broke to him just outside the penalty area. It proved to be the decisive moment in a tense semi-final that offered few clear chances.
The goal marked another painful chapter for Salah against his former Liverpool teammate. Senegal have now beaten Egypt in three major knockout encounters involving the two stars, including the 2021 Afcon final and the 2022 World Cup playoff, both decided on penalties.
Salah arrived at the semi-final in strong form, having scored four goals in Egypt’s run to the last four, his best return at the tournament. But he struggled to influence the game as Senegal controlled possession and limited Egypt’s attacking threat. The Pharaohs did not register a serious effort on target until stoppage time, when Omar Marmoush forced a save from Edouard Mendy.
Senegal were the more assertive side throughout, although they found it difficult to break down Egypt’s compact defence. Nicolas Jackson missed an early chance, while Pape Gueye and Habib Diarra tested goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy from distance.
Tempers briefly flared late in the first half when both benches clashed after Senegal coach Pape Thiaw stepped into Egypt’s technical area during a stoppage in play.
After the break, Senegal continued to push, with Lamine Camara and Iliman Ndiaye trying their luck from long range. Egypt sat deep despite introducing experienced winger Trezeguet, and their cautious approach eventually cost them.
The breakthrough came when Camara’s shot was blocked and fell kindly to Mané, who made no mistake. A VAR check cleared the goal after brief concerns over offside and handball.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan threw on attacking reinforcements, including Zizo, Mostafa Mohamed and Salah Mohsen, but Senegal held firm. Mendy was only seriously tested once, saving a late strike from Marmoush.
Senegal will now face either Nigeria or hosts Morocco in Sunday’s final, as they chase a second Afcon title. However, they will be without captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra, both suspended after picking up second yellow cards.
For Salah, now 33, the defeat is another bitter setback. He has twice finished runner-up at the Afcon, in 2017 and 2021, and has yet to lift the trophy despite his club success with Liverpool.
With the tournament set to become a four-year event after 2027, time may be running out for Egypt’s talisman to claim the one major honour that continues to elude him.
Egypt, seven-time champions, also saw their long wait for another title continue, having last lifted the trophy in 2010.
