Mane fires Lions of Teranga into AFCON 2025 final

Mane fires Lions of Teranga into AFCON 2025 final

Senegal are through to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in their semifinal clash at Tanger Wednesday night.

Former Liverpool winger, Sadio Mane proved to be the hero for the Lions of Teranga, scoring the winning goal late in the second half to end Egypt’s campaign, ensuring Pape Thiaw’s side continue their push for a second continental title.

Both teams were hit by early setbacks as defenders Hossam Abdelmaguid and Kalidou Koulibaly were booked, ruling them out of the final due to accumulation of yellow cards. Matters worsened for Senegal in the 22nd minute when captain Koulibaly was forced off injured and replaced by youngster Mamadou Sarr.

Senegal began to dominate the game as time went on and they had some chances to score after the half-hour, but shots from Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye were both saved by El Shenawy. Eight minutes to the break, Malick Diouf’s dangerous low cross was cleared for a corner as Egypt continued to hold on.

In the 42nd minute, another Senegal player Habib Diarra was suspended for the final after being booked. With neither side able to break the deadlock, the game went into halftime level.

The second half continued in the same fashion with Senegal controlling possession and Egypt sitting back, preventing the Lions of Teranga from fashioning big chances.

Senegal continued to push for an opener but were unable to beat Egypt’s compact defense, with Hossam Hassan’s side creating nothing but frustrating Pape Thiaw’s team. 

In the 77th minute, Senegal finally broke the deadlock, with Sadio Mane hitting a powerful shot from long range to give his side a deserved lead.

The Lions of Teranga almost doubled their lead few minutes later but Pape Gueye’s shot from inside the box went over the bar. Egypt pushed for a late winner to send the game into extra time, but Senegal held on to seal the win, ending the Pharaoh’s campaign.

With their place in the final confirmed, Senegal will now wait for the winner of the semifinal between Nigeria and Morocco to know their opponents in the final on Sunday, January 18.