Mane Outshines Salah To Send Senegal To The AFCON Final
Sadio Mané’s outstanding goal in the 78th minute secured Senegal’s spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, defeating Egypt 1-0 at Grand Stade de Tanger in Tangier on Wednesday evening.
This was the sixth time these two sides have faced each other in the AFCON, and the repeat of the 2022 edition. Mane was again on the winning side to beat his former teammate, Mohamed Salah, who might have played his last AFCON.
Senegal and Egypt had faced each other in the group stage in 1986, 2000, and 2002, while in the 2006 edition, it was in the semifinal, and in the 2021 edition, in the final.
Interestingly, the winner of the knockout stage clash between the Lions of Teranga and the Pharaohs has always been crowned AFCON champions, as Egypt won the tournament in 2006, while in 2021, it was the Lions of Teranga who were crowned champions.
The game kicked off with both teams creating scoring opportunities in the first 25 minutes. Despite their best efforts, neither team managed to find the back of the net, thanks to the solid defensive performances from both sides.
As the game progressed, Senegal took control, dominating possession and launching attacks with precision passing.
The Lions of Teranga had a notable chance to break the deadlock when Pape Gueye attempted a right-footed shot from the left side of the box. However, the Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed Elshanawy made a crucial save to deny Senegal the lead. The first half saw the deadlock not broken, setting the stage for a thrilling second half.
Senegal maintained their impressive display in the second half, creating numerous scoring opportunities within the first 15 minutes.
A notable chance fell to Lamine Camara, whose right-footed shot from outside the box was denied by the Egyptian goalkeeper.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when Mané scored a stunning goal from outside the box, leaving Elshanawy rooted in goals.
Despite further chances, Senegal couldn’t extend their lead, advancing to the final with a solitary goal.
Their next opponents will be determined by the outcome of the match between Morocco and Nigeria, scheduled for later on Wednesday. The winner of this match will face Senegal in the final on Sunday.
