Mané tops Salah again at Africa Cup as late goal sends Senegal into final past Egypt

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TANGIER, Morocco (AP) — Sadio Mané again got the better of his former teammate Mohamed Salah by firing Senegal into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday.

Salah’s wait for an Africa Cup title goes on — Egypt lost the 2021 final on penalties to Senegal, when then-Liverpool teammate Mané and his country claimed their first.

Mané and his Teranga Lions have a chance for their second when they contest the final against Morocco in Rabat on Sunday — the host nation defeated Nigeria on penalties in the second semifinal. Senegal will play its first game of the tournament away from Tangier when it contests the decider.

Mané, the two-time African Footballer of the Year, broke the deadlock Wednesday in the 78th minute when he left fly from just outside the penalty area inside the bottom left corner after Lamine Camara’s initial effort was blocked.

It sent celebrations of joy and relief among the Teranga Lions’ fans in the Grand Stade de Tanger, where Senegal had taken the initiative but struggled for clear chances against the Pharaohs’ stubborn defense.

“We totally deserved this victory,” Senegal defender Moussa Niakhaté said. “We suffocated them, we didn't let them play their game, and we also didn't allow ourselves get caught out either. Finally, by pushing constantly, it went in.”

Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the title match against Morocco after picking up a yellow card that meant a suspension and then going off injured in the 23rd minute.

Koulibaly was booked in the 17th for a tactical foul on Omar Marmoush. The captain was also sent off in the group-stage win over Benin and consequently missed the win over Sudan. His tournament was effectively ended when he had to be replaced by Mamadou Sarr because of injury.

Nicolas Jackson had fired over just before as Senegal displayed more attacking intent. Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye also had efforts saved.

Tensions boiled over among rival substitutes and coaching staff when Salah fouled Mané close to them, but Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Egypt counterpart Hossam Hassan managed to cool tempers.

Senegal’s Habib Diarra was booked for arguing, however, meaning he will miss the final, too.

Salah sent in a dangerous free kick that went through a host of players and out before the break. It was the closest the Pharaohs had gone to scoring.

Senegal had 11 shots — four on target — by the time Mané finally broke the deadlock. Seven-time champion Egypt, with none, was forced to react.

Marmoush had an effort saved in stoppage time as Egypt’s desperate attempts failed to yield a result.

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AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations