AFCON 2025: Senegal 1-0 Egypt - Sadio Mane stunner seals the deal for Teranga Lions to secure place in final

Senegal booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday night after a moment of brilliance from Sadio Mane secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Egypt.

The Teranga Lions relied on their talisman’s stunning strike to edge past the Pharaohs in a tense semi-final encounter played at the Stade Ibn Batouta in Morocco.

The first semi-final of the tournament brought together two continental heavyweights with everything on the line, and the early stages reflected the caution expected on such a big occasion.

Egypt set up with a compact and disciplined defensive shape, clearly intent on absorbing pressure and looking to hurt Senegal on the counter-attack. This approach allowed Senegal to dominate possession for long spells, although clear-cut chances proved difficult to come by.

Despite enjoying the lion’s share of the ball, the Teranga Lions remained measured in their approach and struggled to break through Egypt’s organised backline. Both sides cancelled each other out for much of the opening period, and the first half ended goalless as neither team managed to find the breakthrough.

After the break, the tempo increased as both coaches made tactical adjustments and introduced fresh legs in a bid to tilt the contest in their favour. Senegal continued to push forward in search of the decisive goal, while Egypt remained resolute and dangerous on the break.

In the 74th minute, Iliman Ndiaye came close to opening the scoring when he latched onto a loose ball on the edge of the box and struck a first-time effort, but his shot lacked accuracy and flew well wide of the left post.

Just four minutes later, the defining moment of the match arrived. Sadio Mane collected the ball on the edge of the penalty area and unleashed a superb strike that sailed straight inside the left post, leaving the Egyptian goalkeeper with no chance.

That moment of magic proved enough to separate the two sides, with Senegal holding firm in the closing stages to preserve their slender advantage and progress into the final.

The Teranga Lions now await the winner of the second-final fine match between Nigeria and Morocco in the final.