Senegal booked their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after a tense 1–0 victory over Egypt in their semifinal clash on Wednesday night at the Grand Stade de Tanger in Morocco.
The Lions of Teranga controlled large parts of the game from the outset, dominating possession and keeping the Pharaohs under pressure. However, clear-cut chances were few as Egypt’s defence remained compact for long periods.
Kalidou Koulibaly’s afternoon ended prematurely in the 23rd minute, as the Senegal captain was forced off with a groin injury and replaced by young centre-back Mamadou Sarr — an early blow for the West Africans.
Despite that setback, Senegal continued to press. Habib Diarra almost opened the scoring early on, but his long-range effort was comfortably saved by Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
After a scrappy first half with few opportunities, the breakthrough finally came in the 78th minute. Sadio Mané picked up the ball just outside the box and unleashed a powerful drive that beat El Shenawy and nestled into the bottom corner — a strike that proved decisive in this tightly contested encounter.
Egypt threw numbers forward in the closing stages in search of an equaliser, but Senegal defended resolutely, keeping the visitors at bay to preserve their slender lead.
The victory sends Senegal through to the AFCON final, where they will face hosts Morocco (who advanced after a dramatic penalty shootout win over Nigeria).
