AFCON 2025: Senegal book final spot with 1–0 win over Egypt
Senegal have once again proved their pedigree on Africa’s biggest stage. The Teranga Lions edged Egypt 1–0 on Wednesday night at Tangier’s Ibn Batouta Stadium to secure their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
A late strike from Sadio Mané was enough to separate two of the continent’s most decorated football nations, sending Senegal into their second AFCON final in recent tournaments.
Mané delivers when it matters
For much of the contest, the semi-final was a tense tactical battle. Egypt sat deep and looked to break through the pace of their wide players, while Senegal controlled possession and patiently searched for openings.
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The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. Mané, who had been tightly marked throughout the evening, found space just outside the box and finished calmly to give Senegal the lead. The goal lifted the entire Senegalese side, who closed out the match with composure and authority.
Egypt pushed forward in the closing stages, but Senegal’s defence remained compact, denying the Pharaohs any clear route back into the game.
A team built on balance
This victory was another example of the balance that has defined Senegal’s AFCON campaign. The Lions of Teranga have combined disciplined defending with sharp attacking transitions, a formula that has brought them deep into the tournament once again.
Their semi-final success followed a narrow 1–0 quarter-final win over Mali, where Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive goal early in the match. In both games, Senegal showed the same qualities: organisation at the back, control in midfield and moments of quality in the final third.
Across the tournament, Senegal have also been one of the hardest teams to break down, conceding very few goals and limiting opponents to half-chances.
Eyes on another Continental Crown
Reaching the final confirms Senegal’s status as one of Africa’s most consistent sides of the modern era. Under steady leadership and with stars like Mané leading the line, they have once again navigated a difficult AFCON path with confidence.
They will now head to Rabat’s Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday, where they will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in the final.
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With momentum on their side and another composed display behind them, Senegal are just one match away from adding another golden chapter to their AFCON history.
SportsLigue