Sadio Mané delivered the decisive blow as Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 in the AFCON 2025 semifinal, settling the much-anticipated duel with Mohamed Salah in Tangier.
The match, which largely lacked exciting goalmouth action, needed a stunning second-half winner from Senegal’s talisman and prolonged Salah’s quest for a trophy with his country.
Hossam Hassan’s Egypt were unchanged from their quarterfinal victory over Ivory Coast, whereas Pape Thiaw made just one alteration, recalling Nicolas Jackson for Habib Diallo.
The Lions of Teranga had the lion’s share of possession in the opening quarter of an hour, perhaps unsurprising given their superior quality on paper.
Referee Pierre Atcho offered much-desired consistency in his strict officiating. His booking of Egypt’s Hossam Abdelmaguid and Senegal skipper Kalidou Koulibaly early on meant they’d both miss their sides’ next match.
Koulibaly’s caution turned into a double blow when he hobbled off injured, as Mamadou Sarr replaced him in the 24th minute.
Cagey was the theme of the first period. The lack of excitement was best encapsulated when the two coaches squabbled momentarily after Salah fouled Mané.
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And somehow, in the midst of it all, Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra needlessly talked his way to a yellow card and yet another suspension.
First-half stats would show Senegal managed two tame efforts on target, while Egypt couldn’t even manage a shot. But to say that either goal post was threatened would be a gross exaggeration.
Senegal looked likelier to make things happen early on in the second half as well. Lamine Camara kept Mohamed El Shenawy honest in goal with a low, long-ranger in the 57th minute.
It was almost a given that only something outrageously special (or silly!) would break open the game. And in the 78th minute,Sadio Mané provided just that with only his second goal of the tournament.
The Al-Nassr winger struck a thunderbolt from well outside the box into the bottom left corner, after a deflected Camara shot fell kindly to him. El Shenawy was simply rooted to his spot.
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Omar Marmoush then attempted a hopeful drive from distance in the final minute of stoppage time, but Edouard Mendy was equal to it.
Ultimately, it was that one moment of inspiration from Mané that deservedly guided Senegal to the final of AFCON 2025. They await the winner between Morocco and Nigeria from the second semi-final in Sunday’s final in Rabat.
For Egypt and Mo Salah, it was another opportunity missed on Africa’s grandest stage. As Senegal proved a thorn in their side yet again, the Pharaohs and their fans would now wonder: Will it ever happen for Salah in the colours of the national team?
Abhishek Ramesh
Abhishek is a London-based sports journalist and motorsport editor at the Sports Gazette. He has four years of experience in reporting, copywriting, and editing, and champions diversity and sustainability in racing. When not immersed in on-track action, he covers football, tennis, athletics, and cricket.
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