Mane scores late winner for Senegal against Egypt
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Sadio Mané struck a dramatic late winner as Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final. In a tense semi-final dominated for long spells by the defending champions, Mané settled the contest with a precise low shot from the edge of the box in the 78th minute, capping a patient, controlled performance from the Lions of Teranga.
Senegal were on the front foot for most of the first half, pressing high and frequently pinning Egypt back in their own territory. Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye both tested goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy with efforts from range, while Nicolas Jackson squandered a promising opportunity by firing over. Egypt, by contrast, offered almost nothing in attack before the interval, struggling to progress the ball and failing to register a single attempt on goal.
The first half was not without setbacks for Senegal. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off with an injury after earlier picking up a yellow card, a booking that would have ruled him out of the final regardless. Diarra was also cautioned, putting the pair at risk of suspension had they remained fit.
After the break, the pattern continued: Senegal controlled territory and possession but initially lacked a cutting edge. Coach substitutions added fresh impetus, with Lamine Camara among those trying his luck from distance, only to be denied again by El Shenawy.
The breakthrough finally arrived when a loose ball fell to Mané outside the area. The forward, already central to Senegal’s campaign, steadied himself and guided a composed finish into the corner, marking his 11th AFCON goal and drawing level with former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah on the tournament’s all-time scoring list.
Egypt mounted little in response, creating almost no clear chances and registering just one effort on target over the 90 minutes. Senegal saw out the closing stages with relative comfort to reach their third AFCON final in five editions, while Egypt’s hopes of a record-extending appearance in a 10th final were convincingly ended.