Mané Secures Victory for Senegal Over Egypt to Reach AFCON Final

Sadio Mané netted the decisive goal in the 78th minute, securing a 1-0 win for Senegal against Egypt during their Africa Cup of Nations semi-final in Tangiers on Wednesday.

Senegal, the previous title holders, controlled the ball against a defensive Egypt side and will now compete against either the host nation Morocco or Nigeria in the final on Sunday.

This outcome reinforced Senegal's superiority over Egypt. The Teranga Lions previously triumphed over the Pharaohs in the 2022 AFCON decider and a 2022 World Cup qualifier. Each of those wins was determined in a penalty shoot-out.

Egypt's skipper Mohamed Salah found himself tightly marked by Senegal's backline. This marked his fifth appearance at the AFCON, where his best achievement remains two silver medals as a runner-up.

Experienced Senegal defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a yellow card just 17 minutes into the match for tripping Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.

That was his second caution across two games, meaning he will miss the final. The other semi-final is scheduled for later that same Wednesday.

Matters worsened for the 34-year-old player based in Saudi Arabia when he picked up an injury six minutes afterward, forcing him to leave the pitch for Mamadou Sarr.

In a tentative first half, Senegal mounted more offensive moves but failed to pose a real danger to Egypt's 37-year-old custodian Mohamed El Shenawy.

Nicolas Jackson's effort sailed high over the bar, and shortly after, colleague Pape Gueye struck a low angled shot on goal, though it was tame and easily gathered.

Tense Confrontations

Near the interval, the opposing technical areas saw heated words and some shoving, prompting coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan to call for restraint.

Following this, the officials spoke to Thiaw and Hassan, which helped calm the situation in the dugouts.

For the first time, Egypt tested Senegal's rearguard in the additional time of the first period, courtesy of a free-kick near the sideline.

However, Salah's delivery from the dead ball evaded everyone in the packed penalty area and drifted out beyond the back post.

At the start of the second half, both squads adjusted their line-ups. Egypt swapped in Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan for Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh, while Senegal brought on Lamine Camara in place of Habib Diallo, who had picked up a booking.

Past the hour, the game mirrored the first half's rhythm. Egypt seemed happy to cede possession to Senegal, assured in their ability to neutralise any attacks on El Shenawy's goal.

By the time 15 minutes of normal play remained, Egypt had yet to register a shot on target or earn a corner kick.

At last, with 12 minutes left, Senegal's persistent pressure paid off as the two-time African footballer of the year Mané found the net.

Camara unleashed a bold shot from distance that took a deflection to Mané, whose grounded effort beat El Shenawy and nestled in the goal.