Sadio Mane’s decisive 78th-minute goal secured Senegal a 1-0 victory over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final on Wednesday night in Tangiers. The win propels Senegal into the final, where they will face either hosts Morocco or Nigeria on Sunday.
The match was a testament to Senegal’s dominance over Egypt, a narrative that has been consistent since their victories over the Pharaohs in the 2022 AFCON final and the 2022 World Cup play-off, both of which were decided by penalty shoot-outs. This time, however, Mane’s brilliance on the field ensured a win in regular time.
Senegal’s Tactical Superiority
From the outset, Senegal displayed superior possession and control, forcing Egypt into a defensive stance. Despite their cautious approach, Egypt struggled to contain the fluidity and aggression of the Senegalese attack. Former champions Senegal, known as the Teranga Lions, have consistently demonstrated their prowess on the international stage, and this match was no exception.
Egypt’s star player, Mohamed Salah, was effectively neutralized by the Senegal defense. This semi-final marked his fifth appearance in the AFCON, yet he remains without a winners’ medal, having been a runner-up twice. Notably, this defeat adds to Salah’s tally of losses to Mane at the international level, now totaling three.
Key Moments and Challenges
Veteran Senegal centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly faced challenges early in the match, receiving a yellow card in the 17th minute for a foul on Egypt’s Omar Marmoush. This was his second booking in consecutive matches, ruling him out of the final. Worse still, Koulibaly suffered an injury shortly after, necessitating his replacement by Mamadou Sarr.
Despite Senegal’s attacking efforts in the first half, they found it difficult to seriously challenge Egypt’s experienced goalkeeper, Mohamed El Shenawy. Nicolas Jackson’s attempt flew over the bar, and Pape Gueye’s shot lacked the power to trouble El Shenawy.
“The rival benches became involved in heated verbal exchanges and some pushing as half-time approached, leading rival head coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan to appeal for calm.”
Second Half Dynamics
The second half saw strategic changes from both teams. Egypt substituted Ahmed Aboul-Fetouh with Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, while Senegal brought on Lamine Camara for the cautioned Habib Diallo. Yet, the pattern of play remained unchanged, with Senegal maintaining possession and Egypt focusing on defense.
As the match approached its conclusion, Senegal’s persistence paid off. An ambitious long-range effort by Camara was deflected, landing at Mane’s feet. Mane seized the opportunity with a low shot that bypassed El Shenawy, securing the win for Senegal.
Looking Ahead
Senegal’s victory sets the stage for an exciting final against either Morocco or Nigeria. The Teranga Lions are in pursuit of their first AFCON title, and with Mane in top form, they are well-positioned to achieve this historic milestone.
Meanwhile, Egypt must regroup and reflect on their strategy as they continue to seek a breakthrough in major tournaments. The loss highlights the challenges they face in converting talent into trophies, a hurdle they will need to overcome in future competitions.
As the football world turns its attention to the upcoming final, fans can expect a thrilling encounter that promises to showcase the best of African football.
