2025 AFCON: Mané sends Senegal into the final as Egypt fall in Tangier

Sadio Mané once again proved his status as a Senegalese icon, scoring the decisive goal to send the Teranga Lions into the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Egypt.

The semi-final, played at the Grand Stadium of Tangier, was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides aware of each other’s strengths after a series of high-stakes meetings in recent years. Clear chances were limited, and the match appeared destined for extra time before Mané delivered the moment that changed everything.

In the 78th minute, the former Liverpool forward found space at the edge of the box and finished calmly past the Egyptian goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters. It was a goal of enormous significance, not just because of who scored it, but because of what it meant.

Mané’s strike settled a contest that had been finely balanced, as Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, defended stubbornly and looked to strike on the counter. But Senegal’s patience and control eventually paid off.

The win books Senegal a place in the AFCON final, where they will face the winner of Wednesday night’s second semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco. Egypt, meanwhile, will contest the third-place play-off against the loser of that encounter.

For Senegal, it was another reminder of their growing authority on the continental stage. For Mané, it was yet another defining moment, a leading by example when his country needed him most.