Will final be Mane's last Afcon dance with Senegal?

Sadio Mané's decisive goal propelled Senegal into the AFCON 2025 final against hosts Morocco, reigniting questions about whether this could be the veteran's final tournament with the Lions of Teranga. In a tense semi-final on January 14, 2026, in Tangiers, Mané struck in the 78th minute, firing a stunning shot past Egypt's Mohamed El Shenawy to secure a 1-0 victory and eliminate Mohamed Salah's Pharaohs.[1][2][4]

Senegal dominated possession but waited until late for Mané to break the deadlock, having pinned Egypt back despite limited chances. Salah, scoreless and shotless, endured a frustrating night, extending his wait for an AFCON title as Egypt managed just three shots total. Omar Marmoush tested Senegal's Edouard Mendy late, but the Teranga Lions held firm.[1][4] This marks Senegal's third straight AFCON final appearance, building on their 2022 triumph over Egypt in a penalty shootout.[1][5]

Morocco advanced via penalties after a 0-0 draw with Nigeria, where goalkeeper Bounou denied key Super Eagles shots, including from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi. Youssef En-Nesyri sealed their spot, setting up a blockbuster final on Sunday at Rabat's Moulay Abdellah Stadium.[1][3]

Tensions simmer pre-final: Senegal's federation accused hosts of "organizational shortcomings," citing crowd jostling that endangered players upon arrival in Rabat. Coach Pape Thiaw praised the tournament but demanded better security, emphasizing brotherhood between the nations.[3]

At 33, Mané—hailed by Thiaw as Senegal's greatest ever—remains pivotal alongside veterans like Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, and Ismaïla Sarr. His semi-final heroics, echoing 2022, fuel speculation: is this his last AFCON dance before focusing on club football or retirement from internationals? Both finalists eye World Cup spots, but AFCON glory is on the line.[3][5]

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