Senegal booked their place in a third Africa Cup of Nations final in four editions with a hard-fought 1–0 victory over Egypt in Tangier, sealed by a late strike from Sadio Mané.
The Lions of Teranga, beaten by Algeria in the 2019 final and champions against Egypt in 2021, will now face the winner of the other semi-final between hosts Morocco and Nigeria as they chase a second continental crown.
This latest chapter of a growing rivalry between Senegal and Egypt was more measured than their dramatic penalty shoot-out showdown in Cameroon four years ago.
On this occasion there was no extra time, but there was the same tension, with Senegal enjoying the lion’s share of possession against an Egyptian side that spent long spells camped in their own half.
Pape Thiaw once again trusted his familiar 4-3-3 formation, built around an attacking trio of Mané, Illiman Ndiaye and Nicolas Jackson.
From the opening minutes Senegal monopolised the ball, circulating it patiently in search of gaps in a disciplined Egyptian block.
Hossam Hassan, by contrast, opted for a conservative 4-4-2 that often morphed into a narrow diamond.
With Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush left to shoulder the attacking burden, the Pharaohs prioritised containment and counter-attacks, looking to exploit any momentary lapse in concentration.
The first half unfolded at a deliberate tempo, punctuated by flashes of quality.
Marmoush’s early burst forced Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly into a booking in the 17th minute, an incident that would later prove costly as it ruled the defender out of the final.
Matters worsened for Koulibaly shortly afterwards when he was forced off with an adductor strain, making way for 20-year-old Mamadou Sarr.
Senegal continued to probe from distance.
Habib Diarra tested Mohamed El-Shenawy with a powerful drive on the half-hour, and Mané followed with a similar effort minutes later, both denied by the Egyptian goalkeeper’s sharp reflexes.
Tempers briefly flared on the touchline after a foul by Salah on Mané, but the two coaches diffused the situation with a handshake.
The Pharaohs emerged for the second half under sustained pressure.
By then Senegal’s share of possession was approaching 70 per cent, yet clear openings were scarce as El-Shenawy marshalled his defence with authority.
Substitute Lamine Camara came close with a curling effort that skimmed wide, while long balls aimed at Salah and Marmoush were repeatedly intercepted.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute.
Camara’s initial shot was blocked in a crowded penalty area, but the ball fell invitingly to Mané, who drove a low finish through a forest of legs and beyond the unsighted El-Shenawy.
Forced to abandon their deep defensive posture, Egypt pushed men forward in the closing stages.
Pape Gueye spurned a chance to double Senegal’s lead, and Marmoush fired over in stoppage time, but Édouard Mendy was otherwise untroubled as the Lions of Teranga closed out the contest.
The final whistle confirmed Senegal’s return to the continent’s showpiece match, with a squad blending seasoned leaders and emerging talents now just one win away from adding a second star to the shirt they first earned in 2021.
