01/14/26 02:37:00
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01/14 14:36 CST Man tops Salah again at Africa Cup as late goal sends Senegal
into final past Egypt
Man tops Salah again at Africa Cup as late goal sends Senegal into final past
Egypt
TANGIER, Morocco (AP) --- Sadio Man again got the better of his former
teammate Mohamed Salah by firing Senegal into the final of the Africa Cup of
Nations with a 1-0 victory over Egypt on Wednesday.
Salah's wait for an Africa Cup title goes on --- Egypt lost the 2021 final on
penalties to Senegal, when then-Liverpool teammate Man and his country claimed
their first.
Man, the two-time African Footballer of the Year, broke the deadlock in the
78th minute when he left fly from just outside the penalty area inside the
bottom left corner after Lamine Camara's initial effort was blocked.
It sent celebrations of joy and relief among the Teranga Lions' fans in the
Grand Stade de Tanger, where Senegal had taken the initiative but struggled for
clear chances against the Pharaohs' stubborn defense.
"We totally deserved this victory," Senegal defender Moussa Niakhat said. "We
suffocated them, we didn't let them play their game, and we also didn't allow
ourselves get caught out either. Finally, by pushing constantly, it went in."
Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly will miss the title match --- against either
host Morocco or Nigeria, they were playing in Rabat later --- after picking up
a yellow card that meant a suspension and then going off injured in the 23rd
minute.
Koulibaly was booked in the 17th for a tactical foul on Omar Marmoush. The
captain was also sent off in the group-stage win over Benin and consequently
missed the win over Sudan. His tournament was effectively ended when he had to
be replaced by Mamadou Sarr because of injury.
Nicolas Jackson had fired over just before Senegal displayed more attacking
intent. Habib Diarra and Pape Gueye also had efforts saved.
Tensions boiled over among rival substitutes and coaching staff when Salah
fouled Man close to them, but Senegal coach Pape Thiaw and Egypt counterpart
Hossam Hassan managed to cool tempers.
Senegal's Habib Diarra was booked for arguing, however, meaning he will miss
the final, too.
Salah sent in a dangerous free kick that went through a host of players and out
before the break. It was the closest the Pharaohs had gone to scoring.
Senegal had 11 shots --- four on target --- by the time Man finally broke the
deadlock. Seven-time champion Egypt, with none, was forced to react.
Marmoush had an effort saved in stoppage time as Egypt's desperate attempts
failed to yield a result.
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AP at the Africa Cup: https://apnews.com/hub/africa-cup-of-nations
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