Al Nassr star Sadio Mane scored the only goal in the 2025 AFCON first semi-final meeting between the Terenga Lions of and the Pharoahs of Egypt sending Senegal to the AFCON final after a 1-0 win. Mane latched onto a loose ball and fired it past Mohamed El Shenawy in the 78th minute securing Senegal’s spot in the final.
The match was a repeat of the 2021 AFCON final in Cameroon and also the 2022 FIFA world cup qualifiers, both previous matches also been won by Senegal via penalty shootouts making it three straight important losses for Egypt against the one time African champions. The match was cagey, with Senegal dominating possession and Egypt struggling to create chances. Captain and defender Khalidou Koulibaly however got a first half yellow card and will now be suspended for the final.
Senegal now awaits the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Morocco and red hot Nigeria in the final on Sunday January 18 while Egypt battle the loser in the 3rd place playoffs.
