Senegal and Morocco advance to African Cup of Nations final

January 15 – Senegal and hosts Morocco will meet in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final after semi-final wins over Egypt and Nigeria respectively on Wednesday night.

Sadio Mané’s second-half winner proved the difference in Tangier as Senegal edged Egypt 1–0, denying Mohamed Salah perhaps his final chance to lift the continental trophy.

It was a familiar outcome for the two former Liverpool team-mates. Mané has now come out on top against Salah in three major international meetings, including the 2022 AFCON final and a World Cup qualifying play-off the same year – results which further strained an already frosty relationship on Merseyside as Mané left the club ‘for a new challenge’ that coming summer.

The loss marked another near miss for Egypt, with their record seven titles still unmatched but their wait for a first triumph since 2010 extended.

Talisman Salah will now return to Liverpool and fight for a spot i Arne Slot’s first team. He’s hit good form since being away in Morocco – 4 goals and an assist in five games.

That said, Liverpool are unbeaten in his absence, though have admittedly struggled for goals throughout that same period.

Later in the evening, Morocco reached the final after a tense penalty shootout victory over Nigeria following a goalless draw after extra time.

Goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was the standout figure, saving spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi as the hosts prevailed 4-2 in a tense shootout.

Nigeria’s Stanley Nwabali had briefly raised hopes by saving Hamza Igamane’s opening penalty, but the hosts held their nerve. Youssef En-Nesyri converted the decisive kick to send the hosts into their first AFCON final since 2004, when they finished runners-up to Tunisia.

Morocco, champions only once before in 1976, will now look to end a 50-year wait for continental success – and it must be said they are looking like the favourites. Standing in their way on Sunday are Senegal, bidding to add a second title to the one they claimed in 2022.

Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1768478328labto1768478328ofdlr1768478328owedi1768478328sni@g1768478328niwe.1768478328yrrah1768478328