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.
Mane celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal
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.
Mane got the better of former Liverpool strike partner Mohamed Salah
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.
Salah failed to inspire Egypt to the final after a poor performance
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.
Hosts Morocco survive penalties to reach final
Morocco will take on Senegal in the final on Sunday.
Host nation Morocco kept their cool to seal a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Nigeria to stay on course for a first Africa Cup of Nations title in 50 years.
Morocco’s maiden and only tournament triumph occurred in 1976, but Walid Regragui’s team are within touching distance of glory again after goalkeeper Yassine Bounou starred with two saves.
Morocco players celebrate after winning after a penalty shootout against Nigeria.
The hosts had enjoyed the better of the semi-final tie with Nigeria restricted to only two shots across 120 minutes.
Nigeria boss Eric Chelle made the surprise decision to take off captain Victor Osimhen two minutes before the shoot-out and it backfired with Samuel Chukwueze, one of two late substitutes sent on, denied by Bounou.
Bounou thwarted Bruno Onyemaechi next, which allowed Youssef En-Nesyri the chance to send Morocco into the final and he duly delivered to set up a meeting with Senegal on Sunday.
