Host nation Morocco qualified for the Africa Cup final with a 4:2 penalty shootout win over Nigeria. Senegal defeated Egypt 1:0 thanks to a goal by Sadio Mané. The two teams will meet on Sunday in Rabat.
The Africa Cup semi-finals in Morocco delivered thrilling encounters. In the first match in Tangier, Senegal beat record champions Egypt 1:0. The decisive goal came in the 78th minute from Sadio Mané, the former Bayern player. After Lamine Camara's long-range shot was blocked, the ball fell to Mané, who slotted it low into the bottom left corner. Senegal dominated possession but wasn't always compelling. Egypt focused on defense and only created chances late, such as a shot from Mostafa Mohamed in the 84th minute.
Drama surrounded Senegal's captain Kalidou Koulibaly: He received a yellow card in the 17th minute and is suspended for the final, as cards are not wiped after the quarter-finals. He also had to be substituted due to injury before halftime. Tension arose in the 40th minute when Mohamed Salah fouled Mané, leading to a bench altercation.
Egypt remains at seven titles, with their last win in 2010. Salah is still waiting for his first Africa Cup title; he lost the 2017 and 2022 finals to Senegal.
In the second semi-final in Rabat, the clash between Morocco and Nigeria ended goalless after 90 and 120 minutes. Morocco, the 2022 World Cup fourth-placers, won 4:2 on penalties. Goalkeeper Bono saved two penalties, and Youssef En-Nesyri scored the decisive one. The best chance in extra time was wasted by Nayef Aguerd with a header against the post (93rd minute). Stuttgart's Bilal El Khannouss started but was substituted in the 84th minute.
Morocco reaches the final for the first time since 2004 and seeks their first title in 50 years. Nigeria exits with three titles. The final takes place on Sunday at 8 PM in Rabat. Both teams boast strong attackers like Nicolas Jackson and Mané for Senegal, and Salah and Omar Marmoush for Egypt.
