Senegal Advances to Afcon Final with Win Over Egypt
Sadio Mane scored the decisive goal as Senegal defeated Egypt to secure a place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), thwarting Mohamed Salah's quest for his first continental title in Morocco.
Mane netted the only goal of a tightly contested match with just 12 minutes remaining, striking a right-footed shot into the left corner after the ball fell to him outside the penalty area.
This victory marks the third time Mane has triumphed over his former Liverpool teammate in crucial international encounters.
Both previous victories occurred four years ago, when Senegal overcame the Pharaohs in penalty shootouts during the final of the 2021 Afcon and a playoff for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
While Salah had scored four goals leading up to the semi-finals, he was largely ineffective as the North African side struggled to challenge Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, with their only notable attempt being a long-range shot from Omar Marmoush saved in the fourth minute of stoppage time.
Coach Pape Thiaw's team will face either Nigeria or Morocco in the final on Sunday at 19:00 GMT, as the West Africans prepare to meet the hosts in Wednesday's second semi-final in Rabat at 20:00 GMT.
More updates to follow.