´We did it together´ – Mane hails Senegal spirit after reaching AFCON final

Sadio Mane saluted Senegal’s togetherness after they reached the Africa Cup of Nations final with their victory over Egypt.

The Lions of Teranga are through to their third final in four editions, as Mane’s 78th-minute strike sealed a 1-0 win in Tangier.

The former Liverpool forward became the first player in the tournament’s history to record 20 direct goal involvements (11 goals, nine assists), since Opta began analysing the competition in 2010.

Senegal’s reward is a showdown with either Nigeria or host nation Morocco in Sunday’s showpiece.

“From the start, we did it together,” Mane said. “We avoided making individual errors or committing unnecessary fouls. I think we managed the game well from start to finish and, overall, we deserved to win.

“We have to be honest about the final, and I think all the teams are amazing. We’ll see, and we’ll try to be ready for the final and, above all, to give our best.”

“We are very, very happy to have reached the final,” added head coach Pape Thiaw. “It was not easy against a good side like Egypt. My players were determined to win the match, and their determination showed on the pitch.”

The pitch is alive. The final belongs to Senegal!#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/MaZAz7jskK

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 14, 2026

Egypt suffered their first semi-final defeat at the Africa Cup of Nations since 1974, when they lost 3-2 against DR Congo.

The seven-time champions registered just three shots throughout the match, their lowest total in a match in the competition since 2010, and the fewest by any side at this stage in that time.

They also failed to have a touch in the opposition box until the 84th minute in a stilted attacking display.

Nevertheless, head coach Hossam Hassan paid tribute to the efforts of his team.

“I am really proud of my players who really displayed good character against a tough opponent,” he said.

“I have just told my players that I am proud of them because they defended the Egyptian flag and the Egyptian people with apt of courage. Senegal played very well, and I can’t take anything away from them.”