Senegal reached another Africa Cup of Nations final after a 1-0 victory over Egypt in Tangier, secured by Sadio Mane’s 78th-minute goal. The Lions of Teranga moved into their third final in four editions, setting up a title clash on Sunday against either Nigeria or host nation Morocco.
Mane’s strike not only decided the semi-final but also created tournament history since Opta’s analysis began in 2010. The forward now has 20 direct goal involvements at the Africa Cup of Nations, with 11 goals and nine assists, the highest total by any player in that recorded period.
Egypt endured a difficult night in this Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, suffering a rare defeat at this stage of the competition. The seven-time champions had previously not lost
a semi-final since 1974, when DR Congo beat Egypt 3-2, underlining how unusual this setback was for the North African side.
The attacking numbers showed how much Egypt struggled in this Africa Cup of Nations tie. Egypt produced only three shots during the entire match, which was the team’s lowest tally at the tournament since 2010, and also the fewest attempts by any side in a semi-final in that period.
That lack of threat continued deep into the second half of this Africa Cup of Nations contest. Egypt did not register a single touch inside Senegal’s penalty area until the 84th minute, which reflected a stilted attacking display against opponents who largely controlled territory and tempo from early on.
Mane highlighted collective discipline after the Africa Cup of Nations win over Egypt, stressing how Senegal managed key moments. The forward delivered the decisive finish on 78 minutes, and Senegal then saw out the remaining time efficiently to book another shot at continental glory in the competition’s showpiece match.
From the start, we did it together, Mane said.We avoided making individual errors or committing unnecessary fouls. I think we managed the game well from start to finish and, overall, we deserved to win. We have to be honest about the final, and I think all the teams are amazing. We'll see, and we'll try to be ready for the final and, above all, to give our best.
Senegal’s head coach Pape Thiaw echoed Mane’s view on the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, praising collective effort and resilience against a traditionally strong opponent. Thiaw emphasised that the match demanded concentration throughout, as a single mistake could have changed the direction of a tight knockout contest.
We are very, very happy to have reached the final, added head coach Pape Thiaw.It was not easy against a good side like Egypt. My players were determined to win the match, and their determination showed on the pitch.
Africa Cup of Nations reactions and tactical contrasts
Despite Egypt’s exit from the Africa Cup of Nations, head coach Hossam Hassan focused on the players’ commitment rather than the result. Hassan underlined that the squad stayed organised defensively for long spells, even while struggling to turn possession into meaningful attacks in the final third against Senegal.
I am really proud of my players who really displayed good character against a tough opponent, he said. I have just told my players that I am proud of them because they defended the Egyptian flag and the Egyptian people with apt of courage. Senegal played very well, and I can't take anything away from them.
The contrasting approaches in this Africa Cup of Nations fixture were clear. Senegal pressed at key times, limited Egypt’s space, and avoided cheap fouls, as Mane noted. Egypt sat deeper, protected central areas, but struggled to transition quickly enough, which left Senegal with more control in advanced zones.
Supporters in Tangier created a lively backdrop for this Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, and Senegal’s victory sparked strong celebrations. The atmosphere was reflected in continental coverage, as fans reacted to Senegal reaching another title decider after a performance built on structure, work-rate and clinical finishing when the main chance arrived.
The pitch is alive. The final belongs to Senegal!#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/MaZAz7jskKTotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026
This Africa Cup of Nations semi-final leaves Senegal preparing for another major final, carrying form and confidence from a controlled display against Egypt. Egypt, meanwhile, leave the tournament after a rare last-four defeat, yet with Hassan emphasising pride in a team that showed character despite limited attacking impact in Tangier.
