Sadio Mané once again proved decisive for Senegal, firing the Teranga Lions into their second Africa Cup of Nations final in three editions with a match-winning strike in the semi-finals.

As the first AFCON 2025 semi-final in Tangier drifted into the final 15 minutes goalless, Mané seized his moment. Latching onto a loose ball on the edge of Egypt’s penalty area, the Senegal captain unleashed a low, unstoppable drive inside the near post to break the deadlock and secure Senegal’s place in the final.

For Mané, it was another defining moment against familiar foes. Just as in the 2021 final, it was Egypt and former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah who felt the sting of his brilliance. Four years ago, Mané converted the decisive penalty in a shootout win over the Pharaohs to deliver Senegal’s first AFCON title. Now, he has steered them back to the grand stage once more.

Currently plying his trade with Al Nassr, Mané hopes to return to Saudi Arabia with another international trophy. Standing in his way, however, is another Riyadh-based star who emerged as a hero 24 hours later.

Morocco’s semi-final against Nigeria was a tense, tightly contested affair that ended goalless after extra time. In the ensuing penalty shootout, goalkeeper Yassine Bono rose to the occasion, saving two of Nigeria’s four spot-kicks to send the hosts into their first AFCON final in 50 years.

For history to repeat itself on home soil, Bono will need to overcome a Senegal side packed with Saudi Pro League experience.

Alongside Mané, Al Ahli goalkeeper Edouard Mendy and Al Hilal defender Kalidou Koulibaly form the backbone of the Senegalese team. All four players moved to Saudi Arabia during the landmark summer of 2023 and have since left a major imprint on the league.

Bono and Koulibaly were key figures in Al Hilal’s record-breaking 2023–24 title win, with Bono named Goalkeeper of the Year. Mané’s Al Nassr finished runners-up that season, while Mendy helped Al Ahli claim a historic AFC Champions League Elite crown and the Saudi Super Cup.

At AFCON 2025, Bono has been formidable, keeping five clean sheets so far and closing in on Essam El Hadary’s all-time AFCON record of 14. After his Man of the Match display against Nigeria, the Al Hilal goalkeeper expressed confidence ahead of the final.

Mané, also a Man of the Match winner in the semis, is equally determined. “We’ll try to be ready for the final and, above all, give our best,” he said. “I hope to win and bring the trophy back to Dakar.”

Sunday’s final in Rabat promises a blockbuster showdown, rich with Saudi Pro League influence, as Mané and Bono—separated by a fierce Riyadh rivalry—face off for the most coveted prize in African football.