Egypt's forward #10 Mohamed Salah and Senegal's midfielder #26 Pape Gueye vie during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) semi-final football match between Senegal and Egypt at the Grand stadium in Tangiers on January 14, 2026. AFP
Egypt’s bid for a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title ended on Wednesday as they lost 1-0 to Senegal in the semi-finals.
Sadio Mane scored the winner in the 78th minute, firing a powerful shot from outside the area to underline Senegal’s dominance in what was largely a one-sided contest.
Egypt coach Hossam Hassan kept faith with the starting line-up that had beaten Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, signaling another cautious, defense-first approach.
Senegal coach Pape Thiaw made just one change to the side that defeated Mali, with Bayern Munich striker Nicolas Jackson replacing Habib Diallo.
Egypt again sat deep and looked to counter-attack, as they had against Ivory Coast, but Senegal were well prepared and largely nullified that threat.
Senegal enjoyed more possession in the first half but created few clear chances, with their tentative efforts comfortably dealt with by the Egyptian defense and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shennawy.
The opening period was notable mainly for three yellow cards and an early injury setback for Senegal, who lost captain Kalidou Koulibaly to a muscle injury in the 23rd minute.
He was replaced by Mamadou Sarr.
The second half saw Senegal take firm control as fatigue became evident among the Egyptian players.
Hassan introduced Mahmoud “Trezeguet” Hassan for Ahmed Fatouh at the start of the half, but Senegal continued to press.
El-Shennawy kept Egypt level with a series of saves before Mane struck.
The Al-Nassr forward pounced on a loose ball outside the area and unleashed a fierce shot to break the deadlock.
Egypt pushed forward in search of an equaliser, with Hassan sending on Mostafa Mohamed, Ahmed “Zizo” Sayed and Salah Mohsen, but Senegal held firm.
Omar Marmoush forced Edouard Mendy into Egypt’s first shot on target deep into stoppage time, but the Senegalese goalkeeper made the save to preserve Senegal’s lead.
Egypt will face the loser of the other semi-final between Morocco and Nigeria in Saturday’s third-place playoff.
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