Senegal star Sadio Mane has hailed Egypt as the best team in Africa despite triumphing over them in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Taranga Lions narrowly defeated the Pharaohs in a high-stake semi-final on Wednesday, setting up a fierce final clash against Morocco, who also triumphed over Nigeria on penalties.
It was Sadio Mane who emerged as the hero for Senegal after scoring the only goal of the match to propel his outfit to the final of the tournament.
Despite defeating Egypt to secure a place in the final, Mane insists the Pharaohs remains the best team on the continent.
“Egypt’s style? I think every team has its own way of playing. For me, I am more interested in Senegal. I think their style of play has been successful. They play very well defensively and offensively, and that is their style that makes it difficult for their opponents. They are doing a great job and winning matches.”
“I would like to say good evening to everyone in Morocco, and also to Egypt of course. As I always say, Egypt is the best team in Africa, and today they showed it again. What a great team! It wasn’t easy for us, and we respect that, because this is the Africa Cup of Nations and we face difficulties. But we keep pushing and facing this great player, especially Mohamed Salah, one of the best players in the world. Of course, he always gives his best for the team, and today was also important for them.”
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.
Morocco and Senegal have won the continental showpiece just once in their football history and will be seeking for their second triumph in the high-stake final.
