Senegal secured a 1-0 victory over Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final match, played on Wednesday in Tangiers. The winning goal was scored by Sadio Mane in the 78th minute.
This outcome ensures Senegal's progression to the final, where they will compete against either hosts Morocco or Nigeria on Sunday.
Senegal maintained dominance in possession throughout the game against a defensive Egyptian side. The result also extends Senegal's recent successes against Egypt, having previously defeated them in the 2022 AFCON final and a 2022 World Cup play-off, both decided by penalty shoot-outs.
Egypt's captain, Mohamed Salah, was contained by the Senegalese defense. This marked Salah's fifth AFCON appearance, with his previous best results being two runner-up finishes.
Match Incidents
- Senegal's central defender Kalidou Koulibaly received a yellow card in the 17th minute for a foul on Egypt's striker Omar Marmoush. This was his second booking in as many matches, which means he will be suspended for the final. Six minutes later, Koulibaly sustained an injury and was substituted by Mamadou Sarr.
- The first half saw Senegal produce more attacking plays, though they did not significantly threaten Egypt's 37-year-old goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. An attempt by Nicolas Jackson went over the goal, and Pape Gueye's low shot lacked power, being comfortably saved.
- Near the conclusion of the first half, verbal disputes and minor physical contact occurred between the rival benches. Head coaches Pape Thiaw (Senegal) and Hossam Hassan (Egypt) appealed for calm, and the referee addressed both coaches, restoring order.
- Egypt's first offensive action in the first half's added time came from a free-kick, which bypassed a crowded goalmouth and went out of play.
- Both teams made changes for the second half: Egypt introduced Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan for Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh, and Senegal replaced Habib Diallo (who had been cautioned) with Lamine Camara.
- The second half continued with Senegal controlling possession, while Egypt maintained its defensive strategy.
- With 12 minutes remaining in regular time, Senegal's persistent pressure resulted in the decisive goal. An ambitious long-range effort by Camara was deflected to Sadio Mane, whose subsequent low shot evaded El Shenawy and entered the net.