As was the case four years ago, Sadio Mané has played a decisive role in Senegal’s progress to the final. Compared to the triumph in 2022, his role has changed on several levels.
Four years ago, the significance was greater simply because the title was at stake. Otherwise, the parallels between the two matches between Senegal and Egypt were limited. Back then, at the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations, the Teranga Lions won the final 4-2 on penalties, while today they won 1-0 after 90 minutes.
But one thing remained the same: back then, Sadio Mané, who subsequently moved to Bayern Munich, became the hero by converting the final penalty. Now, the 33-year-old was once again the key figure, scoring the decisive goal to secure victory. He has become the nemesis of the Pharaohs and is now just one win away from his second Africa Cup triumph.
For many players, it must have been déjà vu: after all, the Senegalese fielded seven professionals who were already there in 2022, including Mané, Edouard Mendy and Co., while the Egyptians had eleven, including Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. And little has changed in terms of tactics. Then as now, Egypt waits patiently in a compact 4-3-3 formation, relying on its strong defense, mental strength, and fast attackers.
Senegal, visually superior, with more chances and an offensive attitude, wants to score but fails to do so for a long time. It’s a duel between two evenly matched teams. And that despite the fact that the Senegalese had to do without Kalidou Koulibaly from the 23rd minute onwards, as the 34-year-old had injured his adductor muscle. However, the captain will miss the final anyway due to his yellow card. But against Egypt, it became clear that the team can react even to the loss of one of its most important players.
The team showed against Botswana and Benin (both 3-0) that they can easily prevail against defensively minded opponents, and that they can break down difficult defenses in different ways, as they did against Mali and Egypt (both 1-0). They apply pressure and can maintain it as well as increase it.
Leader Mané – and a strong bench
It also has a strong bench, but during the tournament it is the first team that deserves the most praise. Mané leads his team, both on and off the pitch. His crosses may not be as precise as they once were and his shots are fewer, but his influence on Senegal’s game remains enormous.
On Sunday, the veteran star has another chance to win the Africa Cup of Nations after 2022. Back then, in the aforementioned final against Egypt, the former Munich player missed a penalty in the 7th minute and was on the verge of going from being the team’s hope to its unlucky charm within two hours.
But then, as now, it was Mané who secured the victory – in 2022 with a penalty, in 2026 with a low shot, shielded from the Egyptian defense, leaving Mohamed El-Shenawy, the Pharaohs’ goalkeeper, who had been outstanding throughout the tournament, with little chance. The Egyptians have found their match in Senegal.
And they are set to spoil the host’s home party on Sunday. With Pape Gueye in central midfield, who not only gives the game direction but also scores goals, as he did in the 3-1 win over Sudan, in this case twice. With Nicolas Jackson, who got off to a strong start with his two goals in the 3-0 opener against Botswana, but then failed to convert his chances, especially against Sudan, and found himself on the bench in the quarterfinals as a result. And with Mané, who wants to repeat his great triumph of 2022.
