Mané Strike Sends Senegal into AFCON 2025 Final

Senegal booked their place in the final of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 with a narrow 1-0 victory over record champions Egypt in a gripping semi-final encounter on Wednesday night in Tangier.

The highly anticipated clash between two African football giants lived up to expectations, with both sides displaying tactical discipline and intensity. Senegal, however, showed greater composure in the crucial moments to edge past an Egyptian team chasing a historic eighth continental title.

The breakthrough came in the 77th minute when captain Sadio Mané produced a moment of brilliance. The forward fired a right-footed effort from outside the penalty area, finding the bottom left corner after a swift attacking move that briefly unsettled Egypt’s defence.

Egypt responded by committing more players forward in search of an equaliser, with Mohamed Salah spearheading the late push. Despite sustained pressure and several probing attacks, the Pharaohs were unable to break down Senegal’s well-drilled defence and confident goalkeeping.

Senegal remained organised and resolute in the closing stages, managing the game with maturity to secure the hard-earned win.

The result rekindles memories of the two nations’ last AFCON meeting in the 2021 final, where Senegal triumphed on penalties to lift their first title. This time, the Teranga Lions settled the contest within regulation time to seal their place in the final.

Senegal will now prepare for Sunday’s final, where they will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria, who are contesting the second semi-final.