Mané Strike Sends Egypt Out of AFCON, Taking Senegal to the Final

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, January 14 2026 - Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations final in dramatic fashion after a decisive Sadio Mané strike sealed a famous victory over Egypt, ending the Pharaohs’ hopes of lifting a record-extending eighth continental title. In a match filled with tension, tactical discipline, and moments of brilliance, it was Senegal’s talisman who once again rose to the occasion, delivering when it mattered most.

The semifinal clash lived up to its billing as one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament. Both teams approached the game with caution, aware of the stakes and the fine margins that often decide knockout football. Egypt, marshaled by their experienced defensive line and led by the ever-influential Mohamed Salah, looked determined to control the tempo and frustrate their West African opponents. Senegal, on the other hand, relied on their physical presence, quick transitions, and attacking intent.

For long periods, Senegal looked the better side, mounting an attack on Egypt and enjoying spells of possession, probing patiently, while the Pharaohs sat back and absorbed the pressure. The crowd was treated to a tactical chess match, with neither side willing to overcommit.

The breakthrough eventually came through Sadio Mané. The Senegalese forward, known for his big-game mentality, produced a moment of quality that separated the two sides. Picking up a deflected shot and placing it on the bottom left hand side, Mané’s goal shifted the momentum firmly in Senegal’s favor and sent waves of celebration through their supporters.

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Egypt tried to respond, pushing numbers forward in search of an equalizer. Salah and his teammates created a handful of dangerous moments, but Senegal’s defense stood firm, showing composure and discipline under pressure. Their goalkeeper and backline repelled wave after wave of Egyptian attacks, refusing to surrender their narrow advantage.

As the final whistle blew, scenes of jubilation erupted among the Senegal players and fans. Reaching the AFCON final once again is a testament to their consistency, growth, and belief as a footballing nation. For Egypt, the defeat was heartbreaking. Despite their rich history in the competition, they fell just short of another shot at glory.

Now, Senegal turn their focus to the final, where they will aim to crown their impressive tournament run with silverware. With Mané leading the charge and confidence surging through the squad, they will believe that destiny is on their side.