Senegal knock Egypt out of the AFCON semi-final once again, as the Teranga Lions edged past Mohamed Salah’s side with a hard-fought 1-0 victory on Wednesday evening at Tangier Stadium. A late strike from Sadio Mané sealed Senegal’s place in the Africa Cup of Nations final, deepening Egypt’s continental frustration and reviving memories of their painful 2021 final defeat.
The win sends Senegal into the tournament’s final, where they will face the winner of the clash between Morocco and Nigeria, while Egypt’s long wait for an AFCON title continues.
Cautious start and defensive discipline
The match opened with a clearly cautious approach from Egypt, as coach Hossam Hassan instructed his players to sit deep and close spaces in front of Senegal’s attacking trio. Senegal dominated possession early, circulating the ball patiently while probing for openings.
Hossam Abdel-Maguid received an early yellow card, ruling him out of the next match, as Egypt focused primarily on defensive stability. A passing error from Mohamed Hany allowed Nicolas Jackson a sight of goal, but his powerful effort flew over the crossbar.
Koulibaly’s injury disrupts Senegal
Senegal suffered an early setback in the 19th minute when captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off injured, making way for Mamadou Sarr. Despite the disruption, Senegal maintained their attacking pressure, while Egypt struggled to mount any real offensive threat.
Mohamed Salah attempted to drop deeper to influence play, but Egypt failed to register a single shot on target in the first half, which ended goalless amid Senegalese control.
Second-half adjustments and rising pressure
Egypt made a tactical change after the break, introducing Mahmoud Hassan “Trezeguet” to inject pace down the left flank. The substitution slightly improved Egypt’s attacking movement, but Senegal remained the more dangerous side.
El Shenawy was called into action on multiple occasions, dealing confidently with crosses and long-range efforts, as Senegal continued to push from the wings.
Mané delivers the decisive blow
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute when Sadio Mané unleashed a powerful strike that beat Mohamed El Shenawy, sending the Senegalese fans into celebration and effectively ending Egyptian resistance.
Egypt attempted a late response through Zizo and Mostafa Mohamed, but their efforts lacked precision against a well-organized Senegalese defense.
Senegal’s dominance continues
With this result, Senegal knock Egypt out of the AFCON semi-final for the second time in recent editions, reinforcing the psychological edge they hold over the Pharaohs. Egypt, meanwhile, continue to drift further away from continental glory, having last lifted the trophy in 2010.
Senegal now stands one win away from another Africa Cup of Nations title, showcasing their consistency, tactical maturity, and ability to deliver in decisive moments.
