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The Africa Cup of Nations delivered another night of raw emotion as Mohamed Salah and Egypt saw their dream of continental glory come to an end. Under the lights in Tangier, Senegal edged past the Pharaohs with a narrow 1–0 victory, sealing their place in the AFCON final and leaving Egypt to reflect on what might have been.
For Liverpool fans and African football lovers alike, this semi-final carried extra weight. Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s captain and talisman, faced familiar opposition in former club teammate Sadio Mane. In the end, it was Mane who had the final say, scoring the decisive goal that sent Senegal through and broke Egyptian hearts.
AFCON Semi-Final Showdown in Tangier
The stage was set for a classic Africa Cup of Nations semi-final. Two giants of African football. Two global superstars. One place in the final. Egypt came into the match with a reputation for resilience and tactical discipline. Senegal arrived with momentum, physical dominance, and a squad packed with quality across every line. From the opening whistle, it was clear this would be a tense and finely balanced contest.
Senegal controlled possession early on, pressing high and forcing Egypt into a compact defensive shape. Egypt, led by Salah from the front, were content to absorb pressure and look for opportunities on the counter-attack.
Senegal Take Control Early
As the first half progressed, Senegal began to assert themselves more clearly. Their midfield dictated the tempo, moving the ball quickly and stretching Egypt’s defensive lines. The Senegalese wingers pushed high, pinning Egypt deep and limiting Salah’s influence in attacking areas.
Despite their dominance, clear chances were hard to come by. Egypt defended with discipline, closing spaces and relying on last-ditch tackles and well-timed interceptions. Senegal’s efforts often ended with shots from distance or crosses that were dealt with by Egypt’s back line.
Egypt’s attacking moments were few but purposeful. On the counter, Salah attempted to use his pace and movement to break free, though he was closely marked throughout. Each Egyptian break raised hopes among their supporters, but the final pass or finish was missing. The first half ended goalless, but the balance of play suggested Senegal were growing in confidence.
Mohamed Salah’s Leadership Under Pressure
As captain, Mohamed Salah carried the responsibility of inspiring Egypt on the biggest stage. Even when space was limited, he remained Egypt’s primary outlet, dropping deep to collect the ball and trying to drive his team forward.
Senegal’s defensive strategy was clear. Double up on Salah, deny him time on the ball, and force Egypt to find solutions elsewhere. While this reduced Salah’s direct impact in front of goal, his presence still demanded attention and opened small pockets of space for teammates. Salah’s work rate and leadership were evident, urging his side to stay compact and focused even as Senegal pushed harder. However, football at this level often turns on a single moment.
Sadio Mane Delivers the Decisive Blow
That moment arrived in the 78th minute. With Egypt momentarily stretched, Sadio Mane found space on the edge of the box. The former Liverpool forward did not hesitate. He struck a low, driven shot from around 20 yards that flew past the goalkeeper and into the net.
The stadium erupted. Senegal had their breakthrough. For Mane, it was a goal loaded with significance. Against his international rival and club teammate, he delivered when it mattered most. For Egypt, it was a cruel setback after holding firm for so long.
Egypt’s Late Push for an Equaliser
Conceding the goal sparked a reaction from Egypt. For the first time in the match, they imposed themselves higher up the pitch. Salah pushed forward, demanding the ball and looking to create something special.
Egypt enjoyed their best spell of the game in the final minutes. Crosses were sent into the box, shots were attempted from distance, and Senegal were forced to defend deep for brief periods.
Despite the urgency, the equaliser never came. Senegal remained composed, clearing their lines and managing the clock with experience. Egypt’s late pressure showed character, but it arrived too late to change the outcome. When the final whistle blew, Senegal celebrated a hard-fought victory, while Egypt were left to process another painful AFCON exit.
Tactical Battle That Defined the Match
This semi-final was as much a tactical contest as it was a clash of star players. Senegal’s dominance in midfield proved decisive, allowing them to control possession and dictate where the game was played.
Egypt’s defensive approach worked for long stretches, but their limited attacking threat meant they struggled to relieve pressure consistently. Without sustained possession in advanced areas, Salah and his teammates found it difficult to build momentum. Senegal, by contrast, trusted their structure and patience. Even when chances were scarce, they continued probing, confident that an opening would appear. Mane’s goal was the reward for that belief.
What This Means for Senegal
With this victory, Senegal booked their place in the AFCON final on Sunday. It is another opportunity for a talented generation to lift the trophy and cement their status as one of Africa’s elite football nations.
Sadio Mane’s performance underlined his importance, not just as a scorer but as a leader in key moments. Senegal will head into the final full of confidence, knowing they have already overcome one of the tournament’s toughest opponents.
Egypt Turn Focus to Third-Place Play-Off
For Egypt, attention now turns to the third-place play-off on Saturday. They will face either Morocco or Nigeria, another challenging test against top-level opposition.
While the semi-final defeat will sting, Egypt can take pride in reaching this stage and competing with intensity. For Mohamed Salah, the disappointment is personal, but his commitment to the national team remains unquestionable. The third-place match offers a chance to finish the tournament on a positive note and regain momentum ahead of future international competitions.
Salah vs Mane: A Rivalry Renewed on the African Stage
This match added another chapter to the ongoing narrative between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Club teammates turned international rivals, their duel once again captured global attention.
On this occasion, Mane emerged as the match-winner. Salah, despite his efforts, was unable to find the decisive moment. Such fine margins often define football at the highest level. Both players remain icons of African football, and their performances continue to inspire millions across the continent and beyond.
Final Thoughts: Fine Margins and Footballing Drama
The AFCON semi-final between Egypt and Senegal was a reminder of why this tournament is so special. Intensity, tactical discipline, star quality, and heartbreak all wrapped into 90 minutes. Senegal march on to the final, fueled by belief and a moment of brilliance from Sadio Mane. Egypt exit with heads held high, knowing they pushed a strong opponent to the limit. For fans, it was another unforgettable night of African football. For Salah and Egypt, the dream may be over, but the journey continues.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team
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