Senegal booked their place in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after edging past Egypt 1–0 in a tense semi-final, with Sadio Mané scoring the decisive goal in the 78th minute.

The heavyweight clash lived up to its billing, as both sides traded spells of dominance in a tightly contested encounter defined by tactical discipline and defensive resilience. Egypt, seven-time champions, controlled possession for long periods, while Senegal relied on their physicality and quick transitions to threaten on the counter.

The breakthrough arrived late in the second half when Mané, Senegal’s talisman, pounced inside the penalty area to fire home the winning goal, sending the Senegalese bench and supporters into celebration. The strike proved decisive, as Egypt struggled to find an equaliser in the closing minutes despite a late surge forward.

Senegal’s defence held firm under pressure, preserving the narrow lead and securing a famous victory over one of the tournament’s most decorated sides. The result extends Senegal’s impressive run in the competition and keeps their dream of another continental title alive.

Senegal will now await the winner of the second semi-final, where hosts Morocco take on Nigeria. The Teranga Lions could face either the home crowd advantage of Morocco or a resurgent Nigerian side in the final, setting up a potentially thrilling climax to AFCON 2025.