Sadio Mane shone in Senegal’s win over Egypt in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals in Morocco on Wednesday, January 14. He scored the only goal of the game, which decided the outcome of Senegal’s match against Egypt.

Senegal dominated the game but struggled to score against Egypt’s tenacious defense. After Senegal’s win against Egypt, they will face hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday, January 18.

Sadio Mane proves he is one of the greatest Africans as Senegal takes on Egypt

Mane started on the left wing but had to drop deep repeatedly to receive the ball and create movement. Egypt defended low, sometimes with five or six men. Therefore, it is not easy for Mane to break into the penalty area.

The Senegalese team had a ball possession rate of 65%. Facing Egypt’s 4 shots, the Senegalese team had 11 shots. Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy barely made an impact as Senegal faced Egypt.

In the second half, Senegal’s full-backs began to overlap more to help their wingers stretch the Egyptian defence. However, Mane, who retreated into a shooting position, beat the Egyptian goalkeeper with a shot from outside the penalty area to win Senegal’s match against Egypt.

It was the 53rd goal for the national team in 125 games for the 33-year-old winger. This makes Mane one of the most successful football players of all time. In this context, it must be mentioned that Mane played for nearly a decade at top clubs in England and Germany.

Mane has played for Southampton, Liverpool and Bayern Munich, playing more than 400 games for the team and scoring more than 150 goals. During his illustrious career, he also won the Champions League, Premier League and Bundesliga titles. He now plays club football in the Saudi Professional League.

Mane faces his former Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah on Wednesday, meaning two of the greatest African footballers will feature in the match. In Senegal’s match against Egypt, the Senegalese had the last laugh and led the team to the final.

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Senegal vs Egypt Final Senegal vs Morocco

Morocco is in excellent form at the moment. In addition, they are the hosts and will enjoy home field advantage to a large extent in this game. They defeated Nigeria on penalties in the other semi-final. Senegal will once again rely on Mane’s outstanding performance in this game.

Mane should face a crucial battle with Moroccan right-back Achraf Hakimi in the final. Mane has won an African Cup of Nations with Senegal and was a runner-up. The Senegalese’s performances for club and country have made him a real contender for inclusion in Africa’s five greatest ever players.

He may not continue playing for Senegal for much longer. Therefore, as long as he is in the national team, football lovers around the world can appreciate the achievements of this great man on the field for the national team.

Main photo

Credit: imagery / Sebastian Frey

Recording date: January 14, 2026