Senegal secured their place within the last of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday evening following a hard-fought 1–0 win over Egypt, courtesy of a shocking late strike from Sadio Mané.
The victory sends the Teranga Lions to their second last in three tournaments and retains their hopes alive for a second continental crown.
The semi-final was a tightly contested affair from the beginning, with each groups exhibiting sturdy defensive organisation and ending the primary half goalless.
Senegal managed possession however struggled to interrupt by means of Egypt’s disciplined backline, with goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy making a number of essential saves to disclaim Mané and Pape Gueye.
After the break, Senegal elevated the tempo and had been lastly rewarded within the 78th minute. Mané acquired the ball outdoors the penalty space and unleashed an excellent right-footed shot into the underside left nook, leaving El Shenawy helpless.
Egypt pressed for an equaliser within the closing phases, with substitute Omar Marmoush coming near scoring, however Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy held agency with key saves to keep up the lead.
Senegal will now face the winner of the opposite semi-final between Nigeria and hosts Morocco in a while Wednesday evening.