Senegal booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging Egypt 1–0 in a tense semi-final encounter played in Tangiers, Morocco, on Wednesday night.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané pounced on a loose ball following a deflected long-range effort, firing a low shot past Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The goal capped a dominant performance by Senegal, who controlled possession for long spells against a cautious Egyptian side.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was effectively neutralised by the Senegal defence, limiting the Pharaohs to minimal attacking threat. Egypt failed to register a shot on target throughout the match.
Senegal suffered setbacks of their own, however. Veteran defender Kalidou Koulibaly was booked early and later forced off with injury, ruling him out of the final. Despite this, Senegal maintained their composure and defensive solidity.
Tempers briefly flared near half-time as rival benches exchanged words, prompting intervention from match officials. Order was restored, and the second half followed a similar pattern, with Senegal pressing and Egypt absorbing pressure.
With the victory, Senegal advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Nigeria or hosts Morocco. The result extends Senegal’s recent dominance over Egypt, following their victories over the Pharaohs in the 2022 AFCON final and the 2022 World Cup playoffs.
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