A solitary goal from captain Sadio Mane propelled Senegal into the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), as the Teranga Lions secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in a tense semi-final clash at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Wednesday.
In a match dominated by tactical discipline and few clear chances, the 35-year-old forward proved to be the decisive difference, ensuring Senegal will compete for their second AFCON title in four years.
Mane's Moment of Magic
Despite Senegal controlling possession and creating more opportunities throughout the match, the lone breakthrough came from their experienced captain. Mane, whose leadership and big-game pedigree have been vital throughout the tournament, found the net with a composed finish, breaking down a resilient Egyptian defense that had frustrated the Senegalese attack for much of the encounter.
The goal sent the Senegalese supporters into raptures and solidified Mane's legacy as one of Africa's modern greats, delivering when it mattered most on the continental stage.
A Cagey Battle of Titans
The match unfolded as a classic, high-stakes semi-final, with both sides cautious of making a critical mistake. Egypt, the record seven-time champions, organized themselves defensively and sought to strike on the counter, but struggled to create consistent threats against a well-structured Senegalese side.
Senegal’s midfield, orchestrated by players like Pape Matar Sarr, managed the tempo effectively, but the final touch often eluded them until Mane's intervention. The Pharaohs pressed for an equalizer in the closing stages, but Senegal’s defense, marshaled by Kalidou Koulibaly, held firm to secure the clean sheet and a historic victory.
Final Awaits
With this win, Senegal advances to the AFCON 2025 final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday's second semi-final between host nation Morocco and Nigeria. The Teranga Lions will be aiming to replicate their 2021 triumph and lift the trophy once again.
For Egypt, the dream of an eighth title is postponed for another tournament, as they exit at the semi-final stage despite a valiant defensive effort. Attention now turns to the third-place playoff and the highly anticipated final showdown this weekend.
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