- Senegal eliminate Egypt thanks to Sadio Mane’s heroics in the semifinal clash.
- It was a disciplined, controlled performance from the former champions, decided by the quality and composure of their talisman when it mattered most.
- This is the second time Mohammed Salah’s former teammate got the better of him having also won the AFCON 2021 against Egypt.
The Lions of Teranga booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final after a narrow but deserved 1–0 victory over The Pharaohs in a tense semi-final clash, settled by a moment of brilliance from Sadio Mané deep into the second half.
From the opening minute, Senegal looked the more assured side in possession, calmly circulating the ball across midfield as Egypt sat deep in a compact defensive shape.
The first 10 minutes passed without any real goal threat, with both defences standing firm and the tempo cautious, typical of a high-stakes semi-final encounter.
Between the 10th and 20th minute, Senegal began to impose themselves territorially.
Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaël Jakobs stretched the Egyptian backline, forcing Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet to track back rather than threaten on the counter.
Despite their dominance, Senegal struggled to carve out clear chances, while Egypt appeared content to soak pressure and wait for moments on the break.
By the half-hour mark, the pattern of play had become clear. Senegal controlled possession and territory, while Egypt’s approach remained ultra-defensive.
Salah, often isolated up front, was starved of service as Senegal’s centre-backs dealt comfortably with long balls forward. The first half drifted towards the interval without a single clear opportunity, and both sides headed into the break goalless after a largely cagey and uneventful 45 minutes.
Senegal eliminate Egypt
The second half began with renewed intent from Senegal. Within the first five minutes after the restart, Mané started drifting centrally, looking to influence play closer to goal.
Egypt, however, continued to defend deep, showing little ambition going forward and failing to register a shot as the match wore on.
As the clock ticked past the hour mark, Senegal’s pressure intensified. Nicolas Jackson and Ndiaye forced Egypt deeper into their own half, while Idrissa Gana Gueye dictated play in midfield.
Egypt’s occasional counterattacks broke down quickly, with Senegal’s defensive line remaining composed and disciplined.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. After a blocked effort inside the box, the ball fell kindly to Sadio Mané at the edge of the area. With one swift touch to set himself, the Senegal captain unleashed a powerful strike into the bottom corner, leaving Mohamed El Shenawy rooted to the spot.
VAR briefly checked the goal for a possible handball in the buildup, but the decision stood, and Senegal erupted in celebration.
Trailing for the first time, Egypt were forced to abandon their conservative approach. Substitutions followed, with Mostafa Mohamed and Zizo introduced in search of an equaliser.
Egypt finally registered their first shot of the match in the 82nd minute, but it posed little threat to Edouard Mendy.
In the final minutes, Senegal managed the game intelligently, keeping possession and frustrating Egypt’s late attempts to push forward.
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Five minutes of added time were announced, but Egypt failed to create a meaningful chance, their lack of attacking urgency throughout the match ultimately costing them dearly.
At full time, Senegal held firm to secure a 1–0 victory, eliminating Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and booking a place in the AFCON 2025 final.
It was a disciplined, controlled performance from the former champions, decided by the quality and composure of their talisman when it mattered most.
This is the second time Mohammed Salah’s former teammate Sadio Mane got the better of him having also won the Afcon against Egypt.