Mane leads Senegal to AFCON 2025 final after beating Egypt

Senegal booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt in Wednesday’s semi-final clash in Tanger, maintaining their push for a second continental title.

Former Liverpool forward Sadio Mané was decisive once again, striking late in the second half to separate the two sides and bring Egypt’s campaign to an end under Pape Thiaw’s leadership.

Early disruptions and disciplinary setbacks

The encounter began with early complications for both teams, as Egypt’s Hossam Abdelmaguid and Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly picked up yellow cards that rule them out of the final.

Senegal’s problems deepened in the 22nd minute when captain Koulibaly was forced off through injury, with Mamadou Sarr introduced in his place.

Despite the disruption, Senegal gradually asserted control.

Attempts from Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye were comfortably dealt with by Mohamed El Shenawy, while Malick Diouf’s low delivery shortly before half-time signalled growing pressure from the Lions of Teranga.

Mané delivers the breakthrough

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Senegal dominating possession and Egypt remaining compact and conservative.

Clear chances were limited, and frustration mounted for Thiaw’s side as Egypt focused on containment rather than ambition.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 77th minute when Mané unleashed a powerful long-range effort that beat El Shenawy, a goal that reflected Senegal’s sustained superiority.

Pape Gueye nearly added a second soon after, but fired over from close range.

Egypt pushed late in search of an equaliser, but Senegal managed the closing stages efficiently to see out the result.

With the win secured, Senegal advance to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Nigeria or hosts Morocco, as they look to add another AFCON title to their history.