Mane Crushes Salah's Dreams! Morocco, Senegal March Into AFCON Final

Last Updated:January 15, 2026, 08:47 IST

Morocco beat Nigeria on penalties with Yassine Bounou starring, while Sadio Mane’s goal sent Senegal past Egypt, ending Mohamed Salah’s AFCON dream.

Mo Salah's dreams of winning AFCON came to a grinding halt, thanks to ex-teammate Sadio Mane (AP)

Hosts Morocco will face Sadio Mane’s Senegal in this weekend’s Africa Cup of Nations final after two nerve-shredding semi-finals on Wednesday — and once again, Mohamed Salah’s dream of lifting the trophy was crushed.

Bounou the Hero as Morocco Survive Nigeria Scare

Morocco edged past Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a cagey 0-0 draw in Rabat, with goalkeeper Yassine Bounou emerging as the night’s hero.

The Al-Hilal stopper saved spot-kicks from Samuel Chukwueze and Bruno Onyemaechi, before Youssef En-Nesyri calmly converted the winning penalty, sending more than 65,000 fans at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium into raptures.

There was a nervous moment for Hamza Igamane, whose penalty was saved by Stanley Nwabali, but captain Achraf Hakimi and the rest of Morocco’s takers held their nerve.

“It was one of the hardest matches we have had against a very solid and talented team," said coach Walid Regragui. “It is a great gift for the Moroccan people… but we will need to recover quickly because we put a lot of energy into the game."

The Atlas Lions remain under immense pressure to win their first AFCON title in 50 years, and only their second overall.

For Nigeria, it was a brutal exit. Despite boasting stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, and scoring 14 goals en route to the semis, they managed just two shots across 120 minutes.

“It is difficult to lose on penalties," said Nigeria coach Eric Chelle.

“I am proud of my players… we were maybe the best team at this AFCON."

Mane Ends Salah’s Dream… Again

Earlier in Tangiers, Sadio Mane struck in the 78th minute to hand Senegal a 1-0 win over Egypt, ending Salah’s latest bid for continental glory.

It was Salah’s fifth AFCON, and once more he fell short — having finished runner-up twice before.

“I’m very happy to be able to play in my very last AFCON," said the 33-year-old Mane, hinting at retirement from the tournament. “The most important thing for me is that Senegal wins every time… I am a soldier of the nation."

Senegal, champions in 2022, will now contest their fourth AFCON final and third in the last four editions.

“The Africa Cup of Nations is the most difficult competition in the world," Mane added. “All the teams are evenly matched."

(with AFP inputs)

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