Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté said his team deserved their victory over Egypt after securing a place in the Africa Cup of Nations final with a late winner on Wednesday.
Senegal eliminated Egypt with a 78th-minute goal from Sadio Mané, extending their recent dominance over the Pharaohs in major tournaments.
“The consistency and stability in our performances since the start of the tournament gave us the edge against Egypt,” Niakhaté told journalists after the match.
He also praised Mané, whose strike once again proved decisive. “There are no words to describe what Sadio Mané gives us. He is our leader, and we are happy to have him. Now we need to rest before preparing for the final,” Niakhaté added.
The semi-final was played at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where Mané’s goal secured Senegal’s passage at Egypt’s expense.
The victory sends Senegal to the Africa Cup of Nations final for the fourth time in their history, highlighting their status as one of the continent’s dominant forces in recent years.
They will face hosts Morocco in the final after Morocco defeated Nigeria on penalties in the other semi-final.
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