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Sadio Mané scored the decisive goal as Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 to reach the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ending Mohamed Salah’s hopes of lifting his first continental title.
Mané struck with 12 minutes remaining in Tangier, firing a right-footed effort inside the left-hand post after the ball broke kindly to him on the edge of the penalty area.
The goal settled a tense, low-scoring encounter and sent the reigning champions through to another Afcon final.
Mané delivers in decisive moment
In a contest dominated by tactical discipline and defensive organisation, clear chances were limited for long periods.
Senegal, who had enjoyed more possession, struggled to break down a compact Egyptian side until Mané produced a moment of quality late in the second half. The forward reacted quickest to a loose ball outside the box, striking cleanly beyond goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
It was Mané’s second goal of the tournament and another defining contribution on the continental stage.
Salah kept quiet as Egypt falter
Mohamed Salah, who had scored four goals on Egypt’s route to the semi-finals, was largely subdued by Senegal’s back line.
Egypt failed to register a meaningful attempt on target until deep into stoppage time, when Omar Marmoush’s long-range effort was saved by Edouard Mendy.
Despite a late push from the Pharaohs, Senegal saw out the closing stages comfortably to secure victory.
Familiar rivalry, familiar outcome
The result marks the third time Mané has come out on top against Salah in high-stakes international matches.
Senegal previously defeated Egypt on penalties in the final of the 2021 Afcon and again in a play-off for the 2022 Fifa World Cup, underlining their recent dominance in the rivalry.
Final awaits for defending champions
Pape Thiaw’s side will face either Nigeria or hosts Morocco in Sunday’s final (19:00 GMT).
Nigeria and Morocco meet in the second semi-final on Wednesday evening in Rabat, with Senegal now one step away from retaining their Afcon crown.
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