Sadio Mane emerged as the hero once more as Senegal secured their place in the AFCON 2025 final with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt. In a repeat of the 2021 final, the Al Nassr forward delivered the decisive blow in the 78th minute, ensuring Mohamed Salah’s quest for a first continental trophy remains unfulfilled.
▪️AFCON 2021: Scored the winning penalty for Senegal against Egypt in the final ▪️AFCON 2025: Scored the winning goal to knock Egypt out in the semi-finals
The semifinal clash in Tangier was a cagey affair dominated by the Lions of Teranga, who controlled 70% of the possession.
Egypt, setting up a deep defensive block, struggled to find any offensive rhythm and failed to record a single shot in the first half—a historical low for the Pharaohs in AFCON history.
The breakthrough finally arrived when a deflected strike from Lamine Camara fell kindly to Mane on the edge of the area. The Senegalese talisman reacted instantly, rifling a low “laser” into the bottom corner to send the traveling fans into raptures. Despite late pressure from Egypt and a 95th-minute effort from Omar Marmoush, Senegal’s defense held firm.
With this victory, Senegal marches on to Sunday’s final, where they will face either tournament hosts Morocco or Nigeria. For Salah, the defeat marks a bitter chapter in his international career, while Mane continues to solidify his legacy as the king of African football.
