Arjun Menon
History repeated itself at the Africa Cup of Nations as Senegal once again got the better of Egypt, edging the Pharaohs 1-0 to book their place in the final of the 2026 AFCON. Just like the 2021 final, it was decided by fine margins — and once again, Sadio Mané proved the difference.
The victory extended Senegal’s formidable run against African opposition, with the Lions of Teranga now unbeaten in 12 matches (W11, D1), underlining their status as the tournament’s most complete side.
Cagey First Half Defined by Control, Not Chances
Despite the occasion, clear-cut opportunities were scarce in a tense first half. Egypt struggled badly to impose themselves, failing to register a single shot before the break, as Senegal controlled possession and territory.
Mohamed El Shenawy was rarely tested, producing comfortable saves from Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye, while Nicolas Jackson squandered Senegal’s best opening by firing well over from a promising position.
However, Senegal’s dominance came at a cost. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly was forced off through injury, and both he and Diarra collected yellow cards that would have ruled them out of the final had Senegal progressed — a nervy subplot in an otherwise controlled performance.
Senegal Pressure Tells as Mané Delivers Again
The second half followed a similar pattern. Senegal pushed higher, recycled possession quickly, and attempted to stretch an increasingly stubborn Egyptian back line. Long-range efforts became the primary weapon, with substitute Lamine Camara testing El Shenawy from distance.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 78th minute. A loose ball on the edge of the area fell kindly to Sadio Mané, who made no mistake — rifling a composed strike beyond El Shenawy to send the Senegalese fans into celebration.
Sadio Mané. Source: BBC
It marked Mané’s fifth goal contribution of the tournament and his 11th AFCON goal overall, drawing him level with former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah in the competition’s all-time scoring charts.
Egypt Fall Short as Senegal March On
Egypt showed little urgency in response, offering no real indication that an equaliser was coming. In truth, the closing stages were comfortable for Senegal, who expertly managed the tempo and limited the Pharaohs to just one shot on target all match.
For Egypt, it was a bitter end. The defeat denied them a chance to contest what would have been their 10th AFCON final, and their lack of attacking threat ultimately proved decisive.
Senegal, meanwhile, advance to their third AFCON final in five tournaments, once again demonstrating why they remain the benchmark in African football. With Mané leading by example and momentum firmly on their side, few would bet against the Lions of Teranga lifting the trophy once more.
Will Senegal complete the job in the final? With form, confidence, and history backing them, they enter the showpiece clash as deserved favourites.