Senegal booked their place in the final of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a dramatic and hard-fought victory over Egypt, as Sadio Mané once again proved decisive on the biggest continental stage, edging the much-anticipated duel with Mohamed Salah.

The semi-final clash was billed as a showdown between two global superstars and Liverpool teammates, but it was Mané and Senegal who ultimately had the final say. In a tense encounter dominated by tactical discipline, physical battles and moments of individual brilliance, the reigning African champions showed why they remain the team to beat.

Egypt, led by captain Mohamed Salah, defended resolutely and relied on their trademark resilience, but struggled to convert possession into clear-cut chances. Senegal, by contrast, played with authority and confidence, controlling key areas of the pitch and pressing aggressively whenever Egypt attempted to build momentum.

The match went the distance, with neither side able to find a breakthrough in open play. When the pressure peaked, Sadio Mané stepped forward as the leader Senegal needed, delivering in the decisive moments to send his nation into another AFCON final.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Senegal - Egypt 1:0 (0:0)
Goals: Mane Sa., 78 (1:0)

Senegal: Mendy Ed.; Koulibaly K. (Sarr, 23); Niakhaté; Gueye P.A. (Ciss P., 90); Gueye I.; Diarra H. (Camara L., 46); Mane Sa.; Diouf Mal.; Jackson N. (Ndiaye, 85); Ndiaye Il. (Sarr Is., 85); Diatta
Substitution: Sarr (from 23); Camara L. (from 46); Sarr Is. (from 85); Ndiaye (from 85); Ciss P. (from 90)
Bench: Diouf Y.; Diaw M.; Seck A.; Jakobs I.; Mendy An.; Sarr P.; Sabaly C.; Mbaye; Dia B.; Diallo H.
Yellow Cards: Koulibaly K. 17; Diarra H. 41

Egypt: El Shenawy M.; Hany; Abdelmaguid; Rabia (Zizo, 81); Ibrahim; Fotouh (Hassan, 46); Ateya; Ashour (Mostafa Mohamed, 83); Fathi H. (Mohsen, 90); Salah; Marmoush
Substitution: Hassan (from 46); Zizo (from 81); Mostafa Mohamed (from 83); Mohsen (from 90)
Bench: El Shenawy A.; Shobeir; Sobhi; Eid; Ismail; Shehata; Lasheen; Saber; Fathi; Adel; Faisal
Yellow Cards: Abdelmaguid 6