Playing against Egypt in the semi-final contest at Grand Stade of Tangier, the Lions of Teranga needed the skills of Sadio Mane to overpower the Pharaohs for the decisive win.

After a balanced first half which produced a 0-0 result, Mane struck in the 78th minute from the edge of the penalty area, placing the ball just inside the post beyond Mohamed El Shenawy.

Senegal, who had lost captain Kalidou Koulibaly to injury, held on for the remaining minutes to set up a final date against hosts Morocco. Senegal will be participating in their third AFCON final in the last four editions since 2019.

“We are very happy to have reached the final. It was not easy against a good side like Egypt,” said Thiaw after the game as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“My players were determined to win the match and their determination showed on the pitch. I pay tribute to Egypt as they played well and gave us a very good match.

“Now we will focus on preparing for the final and will apply ourselves to it.”

Thiaw reserved praise for Egypt. He said: “We must acknowledge the great Egyptian team. We have to admit they showed some good things. As I said the day before the match, they are the best team in Africa in terms of their record.”

Reflecting on the win, Mane said: “From the start, we did it together. We avoided making individual errors or committing unnecessary fouls. I think we managed the game well from start to finish and, overall, we deserved to win.

“We have to be honest about the final and I think all the teams are amazing. We’ll see, and we’ll try to be ready for the final, above all to give our best.”

Morocco coach Hossam Hassan maintained he was proud of his players for their campaign in the AFCON adding they had defended the Egyptian flag with courage.

“I am really proud of my players who really displayed good character against a tough opponent,” said the 59 year-old, who is Egypt’s all-time top scorer with 69 goals from 177 appearances.

“I have just told my players that I am proud of them because they defended the Egyptian flag and the Egyptian people with apt of courage. Senegal played very well and I can't take anything away from them as they played well today.”

Senegal will head into their final against Morocco without two key players - captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Habib Diarra. The two will miss the game owing to suspension having accumulated yellow cards.

Sunday’s final will see Morocco attempt to complete a memorable home campaign against a Senegal side aiming to reclaim the title they won in 2021.

Egypt and Nigeria will contest the third-place play-off on Saturday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.