When the moment demanded a hero, Sadio Mané answered with a strike that will be replayed for years. In a tense AFCON 2025 semifinal at Stade Ibn Batouta in Tangier, Mané’s 78th‑minute thunderbolt broke the deadlock and propelled Senegal into the final, while Egypt and captain Mohamed Salah were left to lick their wounds and exit the tournament.
A night of dominance, a moment of magic
From the first whistle the Lions of Teranga pressed with purpose, probing the Egyptian backline with quick exchanges and relentless movement. Senegal dominated territory and tempo, forcing goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy into a string of saves, yet the final touch eluded them for long stretches. Egypt, compact and patient, offered little in attack and only registered a meaningful shot deep into stoppage time.
The breakthrough came when Mané, wearing the number ten, collected the ball on the edge of the box and unleashed a low, venomous strike that slipped inside the left post. The stadium erupted; Senegal had found the decisive moment they had hunted all evening.
Tactics and temperament
Senegal’s game plan was clear: dominate possession, stretch Egypt with width, and wait for the moment to strike. Their high tempo and fluid rotations created openings, but it was Mané’s individual brilliance that ultimately split the stubborn Egyptian defence. Egypt, disciplined and resilient, struggled to convert rare possession into clear chances and were undone by one moment of quality.
Road to the final
Senegal reached the semifinal after a 1-0 quarterfinal win over Mali and a 3-1 victory against Sudan in the Round of 16. Egypt’s path included a dramatic 3-2 quarterfinal triumph over the outgoing champions Ivory Coast, and a late extra‑time win over Benin in the previous round. On this night, Tangier’s familiar turf favoured Senegal, who had played multiple matches in the city, while Egypt had been based in Agadir.
What comes next
With this victory, Senegal book their place in the AFCON final, carrying momentum, tactical discipline, and the match‑winning spark of Sadio Mané. Egypt departed with pride but unanswered questions, having been denied by a single moment of brilliance. The final now awaits the Lions of Teranga, who will look to convert this surge of form into continental glory.
