Image Credits: Imago Images
Mohamed Salah’s hopes of winning his first Africa Cup of Nations title came to an end on Wednesday as Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute, firing a right-footed shot into the left-hand corner after the ball broke to him outside the box in Tangier. The strike proved enough to see Senegal progress to the final.
This marks the third time Mane has outshone his former Liverpool teammate Salah in a high-stakes international encounter. Both previous victories came four years ago, when Senegal beat Egypt on penalties in the 2021 AFCON final and again in a playoff for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Salah had been in fine form during Egypt’s tournament run, scoring four goals, but was largely subdued against Senegal. The North Africans struggled to create chances, with only Omar Marmoush testing Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy with a long-range effort in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Mane has been a tireless performer for Senegal throughout the tournament in Morocco. Against Egypt, the Al-Nassr forward not only scored the decisive goal but also worked relentlessly for the Lions of Teranga.
His strike against Egypt marks Mane’s fifth goal contribution of this AFCON and his 11th goal in the competition, drawing him level with Salah.
For Egypt, their bid to further cement themselves as African football giants has come to an end. As the record champions and back-to-back winners from 2006 to 2010, the elimination is another bitter disappointment for both the ambitious players and their passionate fans.
Senegal will face either Nigeria or Morocco in the final on Sunday. The second semi-final takes place on Wednesday in Rabat, with the hosts taking on Nigeria at 20:00 GMT.
According to Sky Sports, Liverpool fans will have to wait a little longer to see Salah back at Anfield, as Egypt must contest the third-place playoff against the loser of the Nigeria vs Morocco match.
Salah is likely to be available for the Premier League champions when they travel to Marseille for their Champions League fixture on January 21.
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