Senegal reach big final against hosts Morocco as Mohamed Salah’s AFCON dreams are shattered yet again

Mane haunts Egypt once more

It was the 78th minute when the former Liverpool striker fired an unstoppable shot from the edge of the area, with the ball hitting the bottom left corner.

The two-time African Footballer of the Year shattered Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah’s AFCON dream again, having scored the winning penalty in the two teams’ final meeting in the 2021 AFCON.

In Wednesday’s clash in Tangier, Senegal took the initiative but for most of the game struggled in creating clear-cut chances against Egypt’s stubborn defence.

In injury time, Senegal could have had their second of the game but an effort by Manchester City striker Omar Marmoush was saved, while Egypt saw their desperate attempts to yield a result fail.

The bad news for Senegal is that they will miss captain Kalidou Koulibaly in the final against Morocco, as he picked up a yellow card after a foul on Omar Marmoush.

The yellow meant a suspension for the final, but the defender then also went off injured in the 23rd minute of the game, meaning he would have missed regardless of the yellow as his tournament effectively ended.

However, Senegal will also miss Premier League midfielder Habib Diarra in the final, as he was booked for arguing.

A tackle by Mohamed Salah on former teammate Sadio Mane raised the tensions on the pitch, but tempers were cooled down by Egypt coach Hossam Hassan and Senegal counterpart Pape Thiaw.

Hosts Morocco reach final after winning dramatic semi-final in penalty shootout

Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco overcame Nigeria 4-2 on penalties to reach Sunday’s final, after the match finished goalless following extra time.

Morocco’s goalkeeper Yassine Bounou saved ‍two penalties - by Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi - as striker Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive spot to secure a 4-2 shootout victory in Rabat.

Morocco takes on 2021 winners Senegal on Sunday, as Nigeria faces Egypt in the third-place playoff on Saturday.

Neither side had many clear goalscoring chances on Wednesday’s semi-final, however Morocco created the more dangerous opportunities, as Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali produced some fine saves.

The Super Eagles’ display in the semi-final against the tournament hosts was limp, even though they had the best scoring record in the competition coming into the semi-final.

Nigeria had a rare opportunity when forward Victor Osimhen received a pass in ‌the box, but his touch was poor, and the chance was wasted.

Morocco are on the brink of their first continental glory in 50 years, as 1976 was the last time they had their hands on the prestigious trophy.

The 2025 AFCON final is their first final since a 2004 loss to hosts Tunisia, and their second final overall, as they won the 1976 tournament via a final group phase.