Senegal’s Teranga Lions once again secure another win sending them to 2025 AFCON finals after a tough 1-0 win over Egypt in the semi-finals. By the way, Sadio Mane was a key name discussed throughout the build-up to this clash.
The match was everything in between intense and marked by excellent tactical planning as well as the late decisive moment.
Sadio Mane’s 78th-minute goal proved the Teranga Lions are here to win the tournament again.
Despite Egypt’s strong squad and reputable status, they were unable to break through Senegal's defence and bring attacking power. The efforts of Sadio Mane made that task even harder for Egypt’s attack.
Mohamed Salah yet again misses his hopes for a continental win.
READ: Mohamed Salah’s Last Chance? The AFCON Question No One Wants to Ask - Striver.Football
In the 78th minute, Senegal broke the deadlock when Sadio Mane reacted quickest from the edge of the box, and shot a right-footed goal into the bottom corner of the net.
The goal then went on to be the winning goal for a Senegal. With roughly 12 minutes to go, Senegal’s star, Sadio Mane, marked his presence within the squad and proved his ability to gain points and wins for his nation as he takes them to another AFCON final.
Egypt’s game plan struggled to attack for most of the match. The Pharaohs did not cause a shot on target until late in the second half, with Mostafa Mohamed’s wayward effort in the 84th minute coming too late to mount a comeback. It was a different story at the other end, with Sadio Mane posing threats.
Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s main man, found himself largely isolated and unable to influence play.
His teammate Omar Marmoush did bring in the occasional threats, winning numerous free kicks.
However, they found it hard to knock Senegal and succumbed to the pressure.
From the outset, Senegal dominated possession and looked more proactive, taking advantage of Egypt’s weak defence. The movement of Sadio Mane off the ball continued to trouble Egypt’s defensive line.
However, Egypt’s compact shape and resilient defending limited Senegal’s clear chances, making it a cagey contest for long periods.
While Senegal had more possession, breaking through Egypt’s weaker attempts at blocking, they required a lot of patience until Mane’s moment of class.
Whilst Senegal have proven that they are here to win another AFCON tournament, their path to the final has not been easy. Sadio Mane and his teammates must now adapt to fresh injury problems as they look ahead.
Captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off with a groin injury in the first half and had already picked up a yellow card that will rule him out of the final.
Meanwhile, midfielder Habib Diarra also picked up a booking, for arguing. He too will miss the final.
Missing key players can throw off the consistent squad that we have seen across their AFCON campaign. Sadio Mane will need to inspire in their absence.
The question on how manager Pape Thiaw will handle this challenge for the finals arise.
Senegal’s win marks their strong recent record at the Africa Cup of Nations, as the Lions of Teranga now reach the final in three of the last four AFCON tournaments. This success is in no small part due to their talisman, Sadio Mane.
For Egypt, this loss once again prolongs their wait for another AFCON title and denies Mohamed Salah a first continental crown.
Senegal will now await the winner of Morocco vs Nigeria to discover their final opponent in the AFCON 2025 final, set to take place this Sunday.
