Sadio Mané delivered a moment of brilliance to propel Senegal into the Africa Cup of Nations final, scoring the decisive goal that ended Egypt’s campaign and once again denied Mohamed Salah his long-awaited AFCON title.

The Liverpool forward struck at a crucial moment in a tense semi-final encounter, underlining his importance to the Teranga Lions and confirming their place in the final for the third time in the last four editions of the tournament. Senegal, the reigning champions, showed composure, tactical discipline and experience to edge past a resilient Egyptian side that had hoped this year would finally bring continental glory to Salah.

Despite Egypt’s spirited performance and flashes of quality from their captain, Senegal’s organised approach and clinical finishing proved decisive. Mané’s winner sparked celebrations among Senegal’s players and supporters, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most consistent and dominant national teams in recent years.

For Egypt, the defeat marked another painful chapter in their AFCON journey under Salah’s leadership. While the Pharaohs once again fell short of lifting the trophy, their run to the semi-finals highlighted renewed competitiveness and offered encouragement for the future as they continue rebuilding with a blend of experience and emerging talent.

Senegal will now turn their attention to Sunday’s final, where they will face either Nigeria or Morocco, both of whom remain strong contenders. With confidence high and momentum firmly on their side, the champions will be aiming to successfully defend their title and further cement their place at the summit of African football.

Manchester United have confirmed the appointment of former midfielder Michael Carrick as caretaker head coach until the end of the season, marking a familiar and reassuring return to the Old Trafford dugout.

Carrick, 44, will be supported by an experienced backroom team that includes former England assistant Steve Holland, alongside Jonathan Woodgate, Jonny Evans and Travis Binnion. The blend of tactical expertise and deep club knowledge is seen as a key strength as United look to stabilise and build momentum in the coming months.

This will not be Carrick’s first time leading the side on an interim basis. He previously oversaw a three-match spell as temporary manager in 2021 following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, a period remembered for its calm management and positive results. He is now set for a high-profile return to the touchline when United face Manchester City in Saturday’s Premier League derby.

United dismissed Ruben Amorim on 5 January after 14 months in charge, with Darren Fletcher stepping in as caretaker for matches against Burnley and Brighton. Fletcher will now return to his role with the club’s under-18s, a move both parties believe will best support his long-term development within United’s coaching structure.

Speaking on the club’s Inside Carrington podcast, Carrick described his return as deeply meaningful.

“It’s an unbelievable feeling to come back through the doors and be part of the club again,” he said. “It’s a big responsibility, a massive pleasure and a privilege to be here, but we want to do a good job – this place deserves that.”

Carrick held face-to-face discussions with United officials last Thursday and is understood to have made a strong impression on chief executive Omar Berrada and director of football Jason Wilcox, particularly with his clear vision and calm leadership style.

Tactically, Carrick is expected to implement a 4-2-3-1 formation, signalling a shift away from the three-at-the-back system used under Amorim. The change is viewed internally as a move designed to restore balance, maximise attacking options and provide clarity to the squad during the transitional period.

While former manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, who both played for and managed United, also held talks with the club, Carrick ultimately emerged as the preferred option. Club sources indicate he was chosen for his hands-on coaching approach and strong connection with the current playing group.

Tributes have poured in from across the football world following the death of former Leeds United and Wales midfielder Terry Yorath, who has passed away at the age of 75 after a short illness, leaving behind a legacy defined by leadership, resilience and deep personal strength.

Yorath, widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Leeds United’s modern history, scored 11 goals in 199 appearances for the club during a distinguished nine-year spell that began in 1967. His time at Elland Road coincided with one of the most successful periods in the club’s history, highlighted by winning the First Division title in 1974. He also collected runners-up medals in the FA Cup, European Cup and Cup Winners’ Cup, underlining Leeds’ consistent presence at the top of English and European football during that era.

On the international stage, Yorath was equally respected. He earned 59 caps for Wales, captaining his country on 42 occasions, a testament to the trust placed in him by teammates and coaches alike. After retiring from international football, he went on to manage Wales, guiding the national side to the brink of qualification for the 1994 World Cup finals. Although Wales narrowly missed out after a dramatic 2–1 defeat to Romania in their final qualifier, Yorath’s tenure is remembered for restoring belief and competitiveness to the team.

Beyond Leeds, Yorath enjoyed a varied and accomplished club career, with spells at Coventry City, Tottenham Hotspur, Vancouver Whitecaps and Bradford City. He brought his playing days to a close with a single appearance for Swansea City, a fitting end in Welsh football for a man who gave so much to the national game.

Yorath’s life also intersected with one of English football’s darkest moments. As player-coach of Bradford City, he was present on the day of the Valley Parade fire in 1985, a tragedy that claimed the lives of 56 supporters and injured 270 others. His experiences from that day further shaped his reputation as a figure of compassion and dignity within the sport.

In a statement, his children paid a moving tribute to the man behind the footballing achievements. “To most he was a revered footballing hero, but to us he was dad; a quiet, kind and gentle man. Our hearts are broken but we take comfort knowing that he will be reunited with our brother, Daniel,” they said.