rewrite this title AFCON: Sadio Mane’s goal sends Senegal through to final as Mohamed Salah and Egypt eliminated

Sadio Mane got the better of ex-Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah after his winner fired Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final with a 1-0 victory over Egypt.

This was the first meeting between the nations since three battles in 2022, which included Senegal’s penalty shoot-out success over Egypt to claim this tournament four years ago.

Salah had scored four times prior to this last-four clash but endured a frustrating evening at Stade Ibn-Batouta, with his team only able to produce three shots to ensure his wait for a continental title extends.

Senegal quickly took control but had to wait until 12 minutes from time for Mane to make his mark.

After Lamine Camara had a shot blocked, the ball ricocheted to Mane and he chested down before rifling into the bottom corner to spark jubilant celebrations.

Egypt pushed for a late leveller and Omar Marmoush tested Edouard Mendy in stoppage-time but Senegal held on to book a place in Sunday’s final.

It was a difficult night for Salah, who struggled to make any impact as he failed to muster a single shot on goal while also failing to complete any take-ons.

The forward will not be able to return to Anfield immediately despite the victory, as Egypt will take part in the third-place play-off on Saturday, January 16.