By Deborah Nnamdi
Former champions Senegal booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final with a hard-fought victory over Egypt, dominating possession against a cautious Pharaohs side and extending their recent supremacy in the rivalry.
The Teranga Lions will face hosts Morocco or Nigeria in Sunday’s final, maintaining a remarkable run against Egypt after beating them in the 2022 AFCON final and the 2022 World Cup play-off, both decided on penalties.
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was tightly marked throughout the semi-final and struggled to influence the game. The Liverpool forward, appearing at his fifth AFCON, has now finished runner-up twice, the closest he has come to lifting the continental trophy.
Senegal were forced into an early change after veteran centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly was booked in the 17th minute for a foul on Omar Marmoush, his second caution in as many matches, which ruled him out of the final. Matters worsened for the 34-year-old six minutes later when he picked up an injury and was replaced by Mamadou Sarr.
Despite controlling possession in a cagey first half, Senegal failed to seriously trouble 37-year-old Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy. Nicolas Jackson fired over the bar, while Pape Gueye’s low-angled effort was comfortably saved.
Tempers flared late in the half as heated verbal exchanges erupted between the two technical areas, prompting head coaches Pape Thiaw and Hossam Hassan to appeal for calm. The referee intervened and order was restored.
Egypt’s first real threat came in added time when Salah delivered a free-kick into the box, but the ball drifted through a crowded area and out beyond the far post.
Both sides made substitutions after the break, yet the pattern remained unchanged, with Egypt content to defend deep and Senegal probing without clear openings. By the final quarter-hour, Egypt had still failed to register a shot on target or win a corner.
The breakthrough finally arrived 12 minutes from time. A long-range attempt by Lamine Camara was deflected into the path of two-time African Footballer of the Year Sadio Mane, whose low strike beat El Shenawy to seal the win.
The second semi-final will be played later on Wednesday, with Senegal now awaiting their final opponents as they chase another continental crown.
AFP
