By Razeen Gutta
The semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations did not disappoint, with Senegal coming out 1-0 victors over Egypt at the Grand Stade de Tanger before hosts Morocco put Nigeria away on penalties in Rabat.
Two of the continent’s all-time greats, Liverpool legends Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah faced-off in the first semi— and the tension was palpable.
A cagey affair awaited in the first half, with Egypt sitting back and failing to register even a single shot in the opening 45 minutes.
The Lions of Teranga kept the pressure on in the second period; and with 13 minutes to play, their efforts would reap rewards.
The ball fell to the path of Mané on the edge of the area and the 33-year-old was always going to score.
Mané has now been directly involved in more Afcon goals than any other player since his debut — becoming the first player on record to reach 20 goal involvements in the tournament.
The Pharoahs showed more attacking threat after going behind, but Senegal held on to progress to their third Afcon final in the last four editions of the competition.
Pape Thiaw’s troops will take on Morocco in Sunday’s final after the hosts beat Nigeria in the second semi-final.
Following a goalless draw at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Yassine Bounou was the hero for Morocco — stopping two Super Eagles penalties in a 4-2 shootout win.
Pictured above: Sadio Mane
Source: @caf_online
