Sadio Mané as soon as once more proved decisive on the continental stage as Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 to e book their place within the AFCON closing in Tangier. As previewed by SoftFootball forward of this high-stakes semi-final, the conflict lived as much as its billing, with Senegal displaying higher management and goal in opposition to a cautious Egyptian facet.
The Lions of Teranga dominated possession and territory from the opening minutes, constructing on confidence gained from their slim quarter-final win over Mali, additionally lined by SoftFootball. Egypt, impressed into the semi-final by Mohamed Salah in opposition to Ivory Coast, struggled to impose themselves as Senegal patiently utilized strain.
Regardless of controlling practically 70 per cent of the ball, Senegal initially lacked a innovative in opposition to Egypt’s deep defensive block. Possibilities have been restricted in a tense first half, and the temper darkened barely when captain Kalidou Koulibaly was pressured off via damage.
Egypt provided little going ahead, failing to register a single shot earlier than the interval, as Senegal continued to probe with out reward. The breakthrough lastly arrived within the 78th minute and fittingly got here via Mané. After a long-range effort from Lamine Camara was blocked, the ball fell kindly on the ahead’s ft.
Mané confirmed composure and high quality, chesting the ball down earlier than firing a low right-footed strike into the underside nook past Mohamed El Shenawy. A quick VAR verify confirmed the purpose stood, sending Senegal’s bench into celebration.
Egypt’s ultra-defensive strategy left them with no clear route again into the sport. Their first actual effort got here late on when Omar Marmoush examined Edouard Mendy from a distance in stoppage time, however the goalkeeper saved comfortably.
It summed up a irritating night time for the Pharaohs, who managed only one shot on course and by no means actually threatened an equaliser. The consequence shared on the official X account reignited the acquainted Mané versus Salah narrative.
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Whereas Salah was largely nameless, Mané delivered once more, eliminating Egypt for the third time in main knockout ties after the 2021 AFCON closing and the 2022 World Cup qualifier. Senegal have now reached their third AFCON closing in 4 tournaments and can face both Morocco or Nigeria on January 18, aiming to carry their second continental crown.
