Senegal vs Egypt: Tears for Salah as Mane banger sets up potential Super Eagles AFCON final

Sadio Mane was the decider as Senegal once again ended Mohamed Salah's hopes of winning the AFCON as the Teranga Lions booked a place in the final with a 1-0 win over Egypt.

The Al Nassr forward proved to be his country's talisman for the umpteenth time, striking midway through the second half to seal a tight encounter.

Egypt failed to register a single shot before the break, while Senegal dominated possession without truly threatening. Mohamed El Shenawy dealt comfortably with efforts from Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye, and Nicolas Jackson wasted a good opening by firing well over.

Senegal’s momentum was briefly disrupted when captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured, while both he and Diarra picked up yellow cards that ruled them both out of the final

After halftime, Senegal maintained their control but continued to struggle against Egypt’s disciplined defensive block. Long-range efforts became the main outlet, with substitute Lamine Camara also denied by El Shenawy.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané produced a decisive moment, firing home a superb strike from the edge of the box. It marked his fifth goal contribution of the tournament and his 11th AFCON goal, drawing him level with Mohamed Salah.

Egypt offered little response, finishing with just one shot on target, as Senegal comfortably closed out the game to reach their third final in five tournaments, ending Egypt’s hopes of a record-extending 10th AFCON final appearance.