By Victor Okoye
Sadio Mané’s late strike earned Senegal a place in the CAF AFCON Morocco 2025 final after a hard-fought semi-final win over Egypt at the Stade de Tanger, Tangier on Wednesday.
The opening half was tense as Egypt defended deep and Senegal searched for openings.
Nicolas Jackson’s 19th-minute shot over the bar was the closest chance before halftime.
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly exited injured in the 23rd minute.
His earlier booking rules him out of the final, dealing a blow to the Lions of Teranga.
After the restart, Senegal dominated possession while Egypt remained disciplined.
“From the start, we played together and managed the game well,” Mané later reflected.
The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Mané struck from the edge of the area, calmly placing the ball beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.
Egypt pushed forward late, but Senegal held firm.
Edouard Mendy saved Egypt’s first shot on target in stoppage time to secure victory.
“We stayed focused and deserved the win, “man-of-the-match Mané said, praising Senegal’s composure in a tightly contested encounter.
The victory sends Senegal into their third AFCON final since 2019.
“The final will be tough, but we will prepare well and give our best,” Mané said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz
