Sadio Mane’s late strike powers Senegal into AFCON Final

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after a tense 1–0 semi-final victory over Egypt, settled by a late moment of quality from Sadio Mané.

In a fiercely contested encounter that swung between tactical caution and bursts of attacking intent, Mané broke the deadlock in the 78th minute, curling a precise strike from the edge of the penalty area inside the left post to finally beat Egyptian goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.

The goal crowned a period of sustained Senegalese pressure, with thEM dominating possession, at one point holding the ball 69 per cent of the time and pinning Egypt deep in their own half.

Despite enjoying spells of neat passing, Egypt struggled to create clear openings, managing no registered attempts by the hour mark.

Earlier chances fell Senegal’s way as Nicolas Jackson and Iliman Ndiaye both threatened, while Egypt relied heavily on counter-attacks led by Mohamed Salah, whose crosses were repeatedly repelled by a disciplined back line.

The match was not without drama. Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured in the first half and will miss the final, while a flurry of yellow cards disrupted the rhythm on both sides.

Egypt pushed late for an equaliser, but Senegal’s defence held firm through five minutes of stoppage time, clearing crosses and closing down spaces with authority.

At the final whistle, Senegal celebrated another step toward continental glory, while Egypt were left to rue missed moments in a semi-final decided by one decisive flash of brilliance.