AFCON: Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praises Egypt after semifinal win

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised their quarterfinal opponents Egypt after they qualified for the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco on Wednesday.

Star striker Sadio Mané secured Senegal’s ticket to the final thanks to his lone goal scored just over ten minutes from the end of the semifinal clash at the Grand Stade of Tangier.

A notable moment of the first half was the injury-forced exit of Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly (23’). Earlier, he had received a yellow card that will rule him out of the final. At halftime, Senegal and Egypt were still level. In the 78th minute, the former Liverpool striker struck from the edge of the penalty area, placing the ball just inside the post beyond El Shenawy.

‘It was not an easy semifinal against good Egypt’

“We are very happy to have reached the final. It was not easy against a good side like Egypt,” Thiaw told CAF Media after the game.

“My players were determined to win the match and their determination showed on the pitch. I pay tribute to Egypt as they played well and gave us a very good match. Now we will focus on preparing for the final and will apply ourselves to it.”

Senegal will now face hosts Morocco in the final on Sunday. Morocco reached the stage after defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties following a 0-0 result in extra time.

Meanwhile, Nigeria and Egypt will face off in the third place play off on Saturday.