Sadio Mane delivered a decisive blow once again to Mohamed Salah’s ambitions, firing home a clinical 78th-minute winner as Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 in a tense Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday.
The goal at the packed Grand Stade de Tangier propelled the 2021 champions into their third final in the last four editions of the tournament, while ending Salah’s latest quest for a first continental crown with the Pharaohs.
Mane strikes late to settle cagey contest
Mane, chesting down a deflected shot from Lamine Camara before unleashing a precise right-footed strike into the bottom left corner, etched his name deeper into the rivalry lore. It marked the third time the Senegalese forward has prevailed over his former Liverpool teammate in high-stakes encounters — following Senegal’s penalty shootout victories in the 2021 Afcon final and the 2022 World Cup play-off.
The match unfolded as a tactical battle, with Egypt adopting a cautious, defensive posture that frustrated Senegal’s early possession dominance. Salah, who had netted four goals en route to the semi-finals, found himself largely nullified by a resolute Teranga Lions backline anchored by captain Kalidou Koulibaly and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Egypt’s only notable threat arrived deep in stoppage time, when Omar Marmoush unleashed a powerful long-range effort that Mendy saved comfortably, denying the Pharaohs even a shot on target for much of the contest.
Senegal’s persistence finally paid off in the 78th minute. A hopeful 30-yard attempt from Camara was blocked, but the loose ball fell kindly to Mane just outside the box. The Al-Nassr forward controlled it instinctively and drilled it past Mohamed El Shenawy, sparking wild celebrations among the Senegal players and the pro-Senegal pockets in the 52,000-strong crowd.
Senegal eye third title in four editions
Pape Thiaw’s side, who have conceded just two goals throughout the tournament, showcased the defensive discipline and clinical edge that defined their 2021 triumph. Mane, despite pre-tournament debates about his form, proved once more his big-game pedigree, dragging his team forward when it mattered most.
For Egypt, the defeat extends their wait for an eighth Afcon title — their last coming in 2010 — and consigns them to a third-place play-off, a stage they have not contested since 1984. Coach Rui Vitoria’s ultra-defensive approach backfired as the Pharaohs struggled to transition once behind, leaving Salah anonymous on the night.
Senegal now await the winners of Wednesday’s second semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria, played later in Rabat (20.00 GMT). The final is scheduled for Sunday in Rabat (19.00 GMT), promising another chapter in Africa’s premier football spectacle.
