By Michael Okosi
Sadio Mané struck a 78th minute winner Wednesday evening as Senegal edged Egypt 1-0 in the first Africa Cup of Nations semifinals fixtures in Tanger.
The victory ended former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah’s dreams of a maiden AFCON title at the age of 33.
The clash was a rematch of the 2021 final — won by Senegal on penalties after Mane struck the decisive spotkick.
Salah has scored four in four at the Nations Cup thus far but Mane was the victorious ‘rival’ when his low drive beat the otherwise impressive Mohamed El Shenawy.
Senegal have now advanced to their fourth Nations Cup final, while Egypt will be left to rue an excessively cautious approach.
The first half was markedly physical with two bookings which means that neither Hossam Abdelmaguid nor Kalidou Koulibaly would take part in the third place and final of the tournament.
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The former was booked in the sixth minute after pulling back Nicolas Jackson as he moved into a dangerous position, while Koulibaly, again looking short of pace and match sharpness, brought down Omar Marmoush for his second yellow of the tournament 11 minutes later.
The former Chelsea defender, who has already served a suspension this tournament after being sent off against Benin, was replaced with injury in the 23rd minute with an apparent groin problem, with 20-year-old Mamadou Sarr coming on in his place.
