Sadio Mane again proved decisive when the pressure peaked, striking the goal that carried Senegal into their second Africa Cup of Nations final in three tournaments.
Sadio Mane again proved decisive when the pressure peaked, striking the goal that carried Senegal into their second Africa Cup of Nations final in three tournaments.
Egypt were the opponents once again, and Mohamed Salah once more found himself on the losing side against his former Liverpool colleague. With the semi-final in Tangier drifting towards extra time, Mane seized on a loose touch near the area and drove a fierce shot inside the near post.
That single moment settled the contest and booked Senegal’s place in the showpiece match.
The scene echoed events from four years earlier, when Senegal finally claimed their first AFCON title. On that occasion, Mane converted the winning penalty against Egypt in the final shootout.
Now representing Al Nassr at the club level, the forward hopes to return to Riyadh carrying another international honour.
Awaiting Senegal in Sunday’s decider in Rabat is a host nation inspired by their goalkeeper. Yassine Bono emerged as the central figure in Morocco’s semi-final victory over Nigeria.
The encounter was tense and finely balanced, with neither side able to break through in normal time. A controversial moment led to penalties, where composure became decisive.
Bono responded under intense scrutiny, denying two of Nigeria’s four attempts from the spot. Morocco prevailed 4-2, advancing to an AFCON final for the first time in 50 years.
That previous appearance also came at home, giving supporters fresh hope of history repeating itself on familiar soil.
The final carries a strong Roshn Saudi League influence. Bono, Mane, Edouard Mendy, and Kalidou Koulibaly all arrived in Saudi Arabia during the landmark summer of 2023 and have since shaped domestic success.
Bono and Koulibaly were key figures as Al Hilal secured a record-breaking league title in 2023-24, with the goalkeeper later collecting the RSL Goalkeeper of the Year award.
Mane’s Al Nassr finished second that season, though the club were leading the table with a flawless nine wins when he departed for AFCON duty. Mendy, meanwhile, anchored Al Ahli’s defence during their AFC Champions League Elite triumph and subsequent Saudi Super Cup victory.
Morocco’s hopes rest heavily on Bono, whose shutout against Nigeria marked his fifth clean sheet of the tournament, leaving him three short of Essam El Hadary’s all-time AFCON record.
Speaking after earning Man of the Match honours, Bono said his focus was on recovery and giving everything for the home crowd. Mane, also recognised for his semi-final display, insisted Senegal would prepare fully, stressing his desire to return the trophy to Dakar.
Their duel, shaped by a familiar Riyadh rivalry, now decides who claims African football’s most prized title.
