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Sadio Mané Sends Salah Home as Senegal Eliminate Egypt at AFCON 2025
Just when extra time seemed inevitable, class decided the contest. Sadio Mané stepped up to send Senegal into the AFCON final.
A tense semifinal with little margin for error
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The AFCON 2025 semifinal in Tangier opened at a frenetic pace, but clear chances were scarce. Senegal took control early, pressing high and dictating the tempo, while Egypt dropped deep, focused on discipline and counterattacks.
The intensity quickly showed, with hard tackles, early bookings and emotions running high. A flashpoint involving Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané summed up the stakes of a clash where every duel mattered.
Senegal dominate, Egypt resist
As the match wore on, the Lions of Teranga enjoyed the bulk of possession but struggled to unlock Egypt’s compact defensive shape. Mohamed El Shenawy remained alert, denying Senegal’s best efforts and keeping Egypt firmly in the contest.
Egypt offered little going forward, and when a rare second-half move broke down, momentum swung straight back to Senegal, who continued to pile on pressure in search of a breakthrough.
Koulibaly forced off in a major blow
The first half delivered a key turning point when Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured. Already on a yellow card, the Senegal captain picked up a knock during a duel with Omar Marmoush and could not continue, prompting a reshuffle at the back.
Despite the setback, Senegal remained composed, maintaining their structure and belief as the clock ticked toward extra time.
Mané delivers when it matters most
With 78 minutes on the board, the deadlock was finally broken. A loose ball spilled to the edge of the box, where Sadio Mané reacted quickest, unleashing a fierce right-footed strike that left El Shenawy rooted to the spot.
A moment of pure quality settled a match that had been finely balanced for over an hour.
Driven by control, patience and the decisive brilliance of Sadio Mané, Senegal claimed a 1–0 victory over Egypt to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 final. When the pressure peaked, their leader delivered once again, keeping the Lions of Teranga firmly on course for continental glory.
