Sadio Mane scored the only goal of the game to give Senegal a 1-0 win over Egypt in their semifinal encounter and send them into the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi reports.
The Lions of Teranga dominated the clash and now await the winner of the second semifinal clash between Nigeria and Morocco later tonight.
It also marked their second final appearance in three AFCON editions, after they won their first title in 2021 against Egypt.
Mane strike seals Senegal final spot
Senegal had eliminated Mali in their last eight encounter, while Egypt had dumped out defending champions Ivory Coast in a hard-fought encounter.
The Lions of Teranga also held the upper advantage in recent meetings between both sides and were favourites to advance.
They started brightly and exerted their dominance on the clash against the Egyptians, who were very compact in defence.
There was not much to separate both sides as Senegal were mostly limited to long-range strikes and could not break down a resilient defence.
Even when they did got the shot on target, El Shenawy was on hand to prevent the ball from getting past him.
Senegal upped the intensity in the second half in search of a winner and got what they deserved with 12 minutes left in the clash.
A deflected shot from Camara dropped for Mane outside the box and the former Liverpool attacker fired in a low effort that left El Shenawy rooted to the spot and into the bottom corner.
Egypt, who had been on the defense all game then came all out in search of an equalizer, but it was too late as the Lions of Teranga booked their spot in the final.
Mane came out on top in the battle with Salah, who will be left to rue his side’s defensive approach.
Players Ratings:
Senegal Players Ratings:
- Mendy – 7.4/10
- Diatta – 7.9/10
- Koulibaly – 6.3/10
- Niakhate – 7.3/10
- Diouf – 7.3/10
- Diarra – 6.1/10
- Gueye – 7.7/10
- Gueye – 6.8/10
- Ndiaye – 6.9/10
- Jackson – 6.8/10
- Mane – 8.5/10
Substitutes
- Sarr – 6.5/10
- Camara – 6.5/10
- Sarr – n/a
- Ndiaye – n/a
- Ciss – n/a
Egypt Players Ratings
- El Shenawy – 6.5/10
- Rabia – 6.3/10
- Abdelmaguid – 7.5/10
- Ibrahim – 7..0/10
- El Fotouh – 6.3/10
- Fathi – 6.5/10
- Ateya – 6.4/10
- Hany – 6.4/10
- Ashour – 6.1/10
- Marmoush – 6.6/10
- Salah – 5.8/10
Substitutes
- Trezeguet – 6.0/10
- Zizo – n/a
- Mohamed – n/a
- Mohsen – n/a
Man of the match
Sadio Mane (8.5/10) – The Senegal forward bagged the only goal of the game as his side claimed the win and advanced to the final of the tournament.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Senegal 63% – 37% Egypt
Total Shots: Senegal 12 – 3 Egypt
Shots on target: Senegal 4 – 1 Egypt
Pass Accuracy: Senegal 88% – 70% Egypt
Corners: Senegal 6 – 1 Egypt
What Next?
Senegal have advanced to the final of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament and will now face either Nigeria or Morocco in the final on Sunday.
