Senegal secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday, booking their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final in Tangiers.
The only goal of the match came in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané capitalised on a defensive lapse to score the decisive strike, sending Senegal through to the title clash.
From the outset, Senegal controlled possession and dictated the tempo, while Egypt adopted a cautious approach, relying on counter-attacks to create openings. Despite Egypt’s defensive discipline, Senegal repeatedly threatened, forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy into several crucial saves.
Mané’s goal followed a sustained Senegalese build-up, with precise passing cutting through Egypt’s lines before the veteran forward slotted home from close range. The strike not only sealed the victory but also underscored Mané’s continued influence in crucial matches for the West African side.
Senegal’s disciplined performance, combined with their attacking threat, ensured they remained in control for most of the match, limiting Egypt’s chances and frustrating the defending champions.
With this win, Senegal now awaits the winner of Wednesday’s second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria, scheduled to face them in Sunday’s final. Analysts expect a competitive showdown, as both potential opponents have shown resilience and tactical sharpness throughout the tournament.
The victory adds to Senegal’s growing reputation as a dominant force in African football, while Egypt will need to regroup and reflect after falling just short of a return to the AFCON final.
