Mane’s Injury-Time Goal Sends Senegal to Afcon 2025 as Ghana Faces Possible Elimination

Senegal secured their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a dramatic 96th-minute winner from Sadio Mane against Malawi. The Teranga Lions, level on points with Burkina Faso in Group L, clinched qualification alongside their West African counterparts after the former Liverpool forward, now playing for Al Nassr, struck in the dying moments in Lilongwe.

Senegal’s qualification comes just weeks after parting ways with long-serving coach Aliou Cisse, with the team now poised for the tournament in Morocco. Meanwhile, Angola, DR Congo, and Egypt also sealed their places in Afcon 2025 with two rounds of qualifiers to spare.

In surprising results, Ivory Coast suffered a 1-0 defeat to Sierra Leone, while Ghana’s qualification hopes hang by a thread after a 2-0 loss to Sudan. The Black Stars, third in Group F with only two points from four games, must win their final matches and hope for favorable results from Sudan to avoid missing Afcon for the first time since 2004.

Egypt and DR Congo Maintain Perfect Records

Seven-time champions Egypt continued their flawless run in Group C, edging Mauritania 1-0 without captain Mohamed Salah, thanks to an 85th-minute strike from Ibrahim Adel. DR Congo also maintained a perfect record in Group H, with Meschack Elia scoring twice late on to secure a 2-0 win against Tanzania.

Uganda, close to qualification, will have to wait until next month for confirmation after defeating South Sudan 2-0, while Congo held South Africa to a 1-1 draw in Group K.

Cameroon and Algeria Also Qualify

Five-time winners Cameroon and Algeria booked their spots in the 2025 tournament earlier, with Cameroon defeating Kenya 1-0 and Algeria overcoming Togo 1-0 on Monday. The 24-team tournament kicks off in Morocco on December 21, 2025.

Ghana on the Brink

Ghana’s situation is perilous after their loss to Sudan in neutral Benghazi. Despite fielding a strong side, including captain Mohammed Kudus, they were undone by two quick second-half goals. Sudan, coached by former Ghana boss Kwesi Appiah, now hold seven points, while Ghana must win their remaining games and rely on Sudan to falter if they hope to qualify.

Teams Qualified for Afcon 2025:

Morocco (hosts), Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, DR Congo, Egypt, Senegal.