Senegal coach Pape Thiaw has singled out legend Sadio Mane for praise following their crucial semi-final victory over Egypt at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mane, who plies his trade for Al Nassr emerged as the hero as the Taranga Lions triumphed over the Pharaohs to secure a place in the final of the continental showpiece.
After a pulsating goalless draw first half, the former Liverpool star stepped up, scoring the decisive goal to propel his outfit to victory on Wednesday evening.
However, Pape Thiaw, has heaped praise on his players particularly, Mane, who inspired their victory.
“I would like to congratulate the Senegalese national team players, and especially our legend Sadio Mane, who decided the match in our favor.”
“We must also commend the great Egyptian national team and acknowledge that they performed well. As I said a day before the match, they are the best team in Africa in terms of their historical record. Now we have reached the final as we aimed, and we must focus in order to win the title.”
In a high-stale final on Sunday, Senegal will battle it out for the covetous trophy against hosts, Morocco at the Prince Moulay Stadium.
Senegal has now qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations final for the fourth time in its history, after qualifying for the 2002 final before losing to Cameroon on penalties, and the 2019 final before losing to Algeria 1-0, while the only title came in 2021 with a victory over Egypt on penalties.
