Mané breaks Egypt hearts as Senegal book AFCON final date with Morocco

Sadio Mane was the difference as Senegal edged Egypt 1–0 in Wednesday’s Africa Cup of Nations semifinal in Tanger, crushing Mohamed Salah’s hopes of a first AFCON crown.

In a tense, cagey contest between the former Liverpool teammates, Mane struck in the 78th minute, controlling a loose ball on the edge of the box before firing a low finish past Mohamed El Shenawy.

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It was a moment of quality in a match starved of chances as Senegal dominated possession and tempo, pressing with intent as Egypt sat deep and offered little attacking threat, failing to muster a shot on target until the final minutes.

The first half drifted by with few highlights, aside from bookings and an early injury that forced Kalidou Koulibaly off.

As Egypt’s cautious approach unravelled late on, Senegal held firm, with Édouard Mendy denying a last-gasp push for an equaliser.

The win sends Senegal into their fourth AFCON final and a third in four tournaments while Egypt exit the semifinals for the first time in 42 years, leaving Salah’s quest for continental glory unfinished once more.

They will face host nation Morocco, who held their nerve to overcome Nigeria 4–2 on penalties after a tense, goalless 120 minutes, keeping alive their dream of lifting a first AFCON title in half a century.

Morocco’s only triumph came in 1976, but Walid Regragui’s side now stand just one step away from rewriting history on home soil.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the hero in Tanger, producing two decisive saves in the shootout after the Atlas Lions dominated the semifinal, limiting Nigeria to just two shots across extra time.

With Senegal’s pedigree colliding against Morocco’s momentum, the stage is set for a compelling AFCON final.

Contributed by Emmanuel Lungu

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