Sadio Mané etched his name into Senegalese folklore once again, lashing home a 78th-minute winner that shattered Egypt’s resistance and propelled the Teranga Lions into the Africa Cup of Nations final. The 1–0 triumph in Tangier keeps alive Senegal’s dream of a second consecutive crown and extends the Pharaohs’ agony against a side that has now beaten them in three straight knockout meetings.
The stadium erupted as Mané sprinted towards the corner flag, teammates in hot pursuit, while Egypt’s players sank to the turf, their cautious game plan undone by a single moment of predatory instinct. The goal also served as personal redemption for Mané, who missed a penalty in the opening group match yet has timed his resurgence to perfection when the stakes are highest.
Salah Silenced As Lions Cage Pharaohs
Mohamed Salah, captain and talisman, cut an isolated figure for long stretches, swarmed by green shirts every time the ball neared his feet. Kalidou Koulibaly and Moussa Niakhaty took turns shadowing the Liverpool superstar, denying him the half-yard of space he needs to conjure magic. By the final whistle Salah had touched the ball only 24 times, his lowest tally in an AFCON knockout match since 2017.
We knew if we stopped Salah we stopped Egypt, Koulibaly said afterwards. Every player accepted the mission, and tonight the plan worked.
The defensive masterclass came at a price, however. Koulibaly’s 17th-minute caution for hauling down Omar Marmoush triggers an automatic suspension, while a twisted ankle moments later forced his premature exit, leaving interim coach Pape Thiaw to reshuffle his back line minutes before the interval.
Tactical Chess Match Ends In Lions’ Roar
From the first whistle the contest resembled a tactical chess match rather than a traditional African shoot-out. Senegal monopolised possession, stroking 68 percent of the ball across the pristine Tangier turf, yet found Egypt’s five-man defence plus screening double pivot frustratingly hard to penetrate. Nicolas Jackson’s early snapshot sailed into the stands and Pape Gueye’s low drive was smothered by Mohamed El Shenawy, the 37-year-old goalkeeper who has become Egypt’s safety blanket.
Hossam Hassan’s side, meanwhile, were content to absorb, hoping to nick something on the break or from a Salah set piece. Their only first-half threat arrived deep in stoppage time when Salah whipped a teasing free-kick across the face of goal, but no Pharaoh dared gamble with a telling touch. The pattern continued after the restart, Egypt still without a shot or corner, until Camara’s speculative effort took a wicked deflection and fell kindly for Mané.
Tempers Boil Over In Feisty Affair
Hostility simmered beneath the surface and finally spilled over moments before half-time when both technical areas became embroiled in a shoving match. Rival head coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan rushed to separate their staffs, yet verbal barbs continued to fly as security officials stepped in. Referee Victor Gomes brandished yellow cards to two Egyptian bench players and one Senegalese fitness coach, a rare sight that underlined the raw emotion coursing through the stadium.
Emotions are high, but we must respect the game, Thiaw told journalists. My players channelled that anger into focus, and that made the difference.
The flash-point seemed to energise Senegal, who emerged from the tunnel with renewed intensity. Egypt, rattled, retreated even deeper, inviting the pressure that ultimately led to their downfall.
Koulibaly’s Agony Overshadows Triumph
While celebrations raged, Senegal’s medical staff wore long faces. Koulibaly, the heartbeat of the defence, left the pitch in tears after his ankle buckled under a harmless challenge. Initial fears of ligament damage were eased by post-match scans revealing only a sprain, yet the 34-year-old will watch Sunday’s final from the stands, suspended and sidelined.
His anticipated replacement, 21-year-old Mamadou Sarr, entered the fray and grew in composure, blocking a late Salah cut-back that could have forced extra time. The rookie’s performance offered a silver lining, suggesting Senegal’s conveyor belt of defensive talent remains robust even without their battle-hardened general.
Historic Final Awaits Teranga Lions
The victory tees up a potential dream final against host nation Morocco, setting the stage for a west-versus-north African blockbuster. Senegal have never beaten the Atlas Lions in a competitive knockout match, yet confidence is soaring after five consecutive clean sheets. Awaiting the winner is not only the continental crown but also a psychological edge heading into 2026 World Cup qualifying.
We are 90 minutes from history, declared Mané. Our people deserve this joy, and we will give everything on Sunday.
For Egypt, the wait for an eighth AFCON title stretches into a 14th year, and questions over Salah’s international legacy will only grow louder. For Senegal, the roar of the Teranga Lions echoes across the continent, a warning that the reigning champions remain the team to beat.
