AFCON 2025: Senegal edge Egypt to book place in finals

Senegal, the new obstacle of Egypt
Since the 2022 AFCON final, Senegal has become a bone in the throat of Egyptians. After depriving them of the World Cup in Qatar the same year, they are still the executioners of the Pharaohs in the semi-finals of the AFCON. The Teranga Lions territorially dominated their opponents, even if the latter proved difficult to handle. All this while being deprived of their captain Kalidou Koulibaly, out on injury in the 24th minute, hit at the adductors, only seven minutes after his yellow card, synonymous with suspension for the final of this Sunday.

Of the few flaws that Pape Thiaw’s men found to hit the goal, they were either too soft to worry Mohammed El Shenawy or countered by a wall that refused to crack despite its stretch.

Sadio Mané's most impactful strike
In this match, there was really not much to put under the tooth, except for the domination of Senegal, accentuated a little more in the second period. Warned at the end of the first period, Habib Diarra was replaced by Lamine Camara at the beginning of the second.

And it is the midfielder of AS Monaco who will be at the origin of the goal of the deliverance for Senegal. After having his shot blocked in the 78th minute, Sadio Mané will follow up and hit instantly to surprise the entire Egyptian defense.

Senegal therefore qualifies for the final and will face the winner of the last semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria (20h GMT). It is the third of its kind over the last four editions of the African Cup of Nations (2019, 2022 and 2026).