Senegal are through to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final after a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Egypt in Tangier. The decisive moment came in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané, the tournament stalwart, struck with clinical precision, giving the Lions of Teranga their place in the championship match. This win marks Senegal’s third final appearance in four AFCON tournaments, highlighting a remarkable consistency that few African nations can match in modern football.
Despite dominating possession throughout the game, Senegal struggled to convert opportunities into goals until Mané’s intervention. Egypt, on the other hand, were uncharacteristically subdued in attack, registering their first shot only in the 84th minute, leaving fans and pundits questioning their tactical approach.
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Senegal’s Dominance and Mané’s Magic
From the opening whistle, Senegal imposed their rhythm, controlling 63% of possession and recording 76 entries into Egypt’s final third, compared to Egypt’s 40. Set pieces were plentiful, and the Senegalese forwards frequently tested Egypt’s backline, but the final touch had eluded them for the majority of the match.
Mané’s winning goal was the culmination of relentless pressure. A deflected ball from Lamine Camara found the Liverpool forward in space, and he didn’t hesitate, firing past Mohamed El Shenawy with precision. The goal not only sealed Senegal’s spot in the final but also marked a personal milestone: Mané became the first player in AFCON history to reach 20 goal involvements, combining 11 goals and nine assists since his debut in 2010. His influence on the tournament continues to grow, cementing his legacy as one of Africa’s finest footballers.
Senegal’s midfield, marshaled by Idrissa Gana Gueye and Pape Gueye, ensured that Egypt could not dictate the pace or create meaningful chances. The tactical discipline of Pape Thiaw’s side forced Egypt into rare counterattacks, which were largely neutralized by Senegal’s organized defense. Kalidou Koulibaly’s presence at the back, despite a minor injury scare, added stability, ensuring that Senegal remained resolute even under rare Egyptian pressure.
Egypt’s Struggles and Tactical Missteps
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, struggled to find rhythm and cohesion throughout the match. The absence of creativity in midfield and poor coordination between their star attackers Omar Marmoush and Salah resulted in a near-complete lack of offensive threat. The team’s first shot came in the 84th minute, a curling effort from Marmoush that was easily collected by Edouard Mendy, underscoring their inefficiency in front of goal.
Manager Hossam Hassan’s decision to sit deep for much of the game left Egypt chasing possession and reacting to Senegal’s attacks. Substitutions late in the second half, including Zizo and Mostafa Mohamed, were unable to turn the tide, leaving Egypt’s fans disappointed and prompting reflection on the team’s recurring struggles in knockout stages. With this semi-final exit, Salah remains without an AFCON title, extending a record of missed opportunities in the tournament and highlighting Egypt’s ongoing challenges despite individual talent.
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Looking Ahead: Who Will Face Senegal in the Final?
Senegal will face either Nigeria or Morocco in the AFCON 2025 final, with the second semi-final set to take place later this week. Both potential opponents bring contrasting challenges: Nigeria’s pace and youthful energy versus Morocco’s disciplined, tactical approach. Senegal’s consistency in recent tournaments suggests that they will enter the final with confidence, but their inability to convert chances efficiently against Egypt serves as a reminder that the final could demand more ruthlessness.
For Senegal, the focus will now shift to preparation, recovery, and tactical refinement. The blend of experience from players like Mané and Gueye, combined with the energy of emerging talents, positions the team as genuine contenders for their second AFCON title. Fans across the continent will watch eagerly, knowing that the final promises intensity, skill, and the drama that has defined African football for decades.
Stay tuned with RefinedNG, football lovers; the road to AFCON glory is almost complete, and the final is shaping up to be a classic.