Tangiers, Morocco – Senegal defeated Egypt 1-0 in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, advancing to the tournament final. A 78th-minute goal from Sadio Mané secured the victory for the Teranga Lions, continuing their recent dominance over the Pharaohs. The match, played at the Grand Stadium in Tangiers, sets the stage for Senegal to contend for their second consecutive AFCON title.
The win marks Senegal’s continued success against Egypt, having previously defeated them in the 2022 AFCON final and a crucial 2022 World Cup play-off, both decided by penalty shootouts. This latest result underscores Senegal’s growing strength in African football, while Egypt continues to seek a breakthrough after years of near misses.
Senegal Advances to AFCON Final, Egypt’s Title Hopes Dashed
Senegal largely controlled possession throughout the match, frustrating Egypt’s attempts to build momentum. Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was effectively neutralized by the Senegalese defense, limiting his impact on the game. Despite a cautious approach, Egypt struggled to create significant scoring opportunities.
Key Moments and Controversies
The first half saw a tense exchange between the benches, requiring intervention from both head coaches, Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan, and the referee to restore order. Veteran Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly received a yellow card in the 17th minute, his second of the tournament, resulting in an automatic suspension for the final. He was subsequently substituted due to injury shortly after.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 78th minute when a deflected long-range effort fell to Mané, who calmly slotted the ball past Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. The goal sparked celebrations among the Senegalese players and supporters, while Egypt faced the harsh reality of another missed opportunity. The official AFCON website provides further details on the match.
Egypt’s offensive efforts were largely stifled, failing to register a shot on target for a significant portion of the game. They struggled to convert set pieces, with Salah’s free-kick in added time of the first half narrowly missing the target. Additionally, the team’s overall attacking strategy appeared to lack the creativity needed to penetrate the Senegalese defense.
Senegal’s tactical approach focused on maintaining possession and exploiting spaces in the Egyptian midfield. Their substitutions, including Lamine Camara for Habib Diallo, proved effective in injecting fresh energy and creativity into the attack. The team’s disciplined defending and clinical finishing ultimately proved decisive.
Looking Ahead: Senegal’s Final Opponent and Egypt’s Future
Senegal will now face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday. The outcome of the second semi-final will determine their opponent and the location of the championship match. The Teranga Lions will be aiming to secure their second consecutive title, solidifying their position as a dominant force in African football. FIFA rankings show Senegal’s continued rise in international football.
For Egypt, this defeat represents another setback in their quest for continental glory. Mohamed Salah’s fifth AFCON tournament has ended without a winners’ medal, despite his status as one of the world’s leading players. The team will need to reassess their strategy and rebuild for future tournaments, focusing on developing younger talent and improving their overall competitiveness. The future of the Egyptian national team and their ability to challenge for major honors remains uncertain, but the need for change is clear. The Senegal vs Egypt rivalry will undoubtedly continue in future competitions.
The final match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with Senegal favored to lift the trophy. However, both Morocco and Nigeria pose significant challenges, and the outcome remains unpredictable. Observers will be watching closely to see if Senegal can maintain their momentum and secure their place in African football history.
