Senegal have secured a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Egypt in a tense semifinal encounter at the Tangier Grand Stadium.
The Teranga Lions came into the tie with intent, fielding a full-strength side against the record champions, and quickly asserted their authority.
Senegal dominated possession and territory from the opening exchanges, carving out several opportunities, but were repeatedly denied by Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy, who kept his side in the contest.
Egypt, led by Hossam Hassan, found it difficult to impose themselves and struggled to create meaningful chances as Senegal controlled the tempo throughout the first half.
The pattern remained unchanged after the break, with Pape Thiaw’s men continuing to press for a decisive breakthrough. That moment finally arrived in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané struck the winning goal, a finish that underlined his importance to the Senegalese cause.
The goal also saw Mané write his name into AFCON history, becoming the first player since 2010 to be directly involved in 20 goals at the tournament, with 11 goals and nine assists.
Egypt were forced to push forward in the closing stages and registered their first shot on target deep into stoppage time through Omar Marmoush, but it proved too little, too late.
Senegal will now await the winner of the other semifinal between Nigeria and hosts Morocco in the final, while Egypt turn their attention to the third-place playoff.
