Fans Deliver Strong Verdict on Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane After AFCON Semi-Final
The clash of former Liverpool icons ended in Sadio Mane’s favour as Senegal edged Mohamed Salah’s Egypt 1–0 in Wednesday’s AFCON semi-final. Once inseparable in Jurgen Klopp’s famous front three, the two superstars went head-to-head at the Tangier Stadium in Morocco.
Mane proved decisive, firing a stunning long-range effort into the corner in the 77th minute to seal victory for the Lions of Teranga. The result was crushing for Salah, who arrived at the tournament amid uncertainty over his club future following his omission under Arne Slot.
Alongside Roberto Firmino, Salah and Mane formed one of the Premier League’s most feared attacks during their Liverpool days. Now, however, it is Senegal who march on, with Mane’s side set to face the winner of Nigeria vs Morocco in Sunday’s final (January 18).
Mane brilliance sends Senegal through
Mane’s goal was struck with class, leaving Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy helpless. But his influence extended far beyond the scoreline. The veteran forward created four key chances, won three aerial duels, and contributed defensively with four recoveries.
Though now in the latter stages of his career at Al-Nassr, the 33-year-old remains Senegal’s talisman and could yet inspire them to another AFCON triumph.
Fans were quick to heap praise on Mane, many highlighting his dominance over Salah on the international stage. One wrote: “Sadio Mane is Salah’s biggest nightmare.” Another went even further: “In Africa, Mane will always be the number one winger.”
Others echoed the sentiment, calling him focused, ruthless, and legendary. Several supporters argued there is no longer any debate between the two former Anfield teammates, pointing to Mane’s consistent big-game performances.
Mane will captain Senegal in Sunday’s final and could lift the AFCON trophy for a second time, having last done so in 2022 when he scored the winning penalty against Salah’s Egypt after a goalless final.
Salah struggles as Egypt fall short
For Salah, the defeat marked another painful AFCON exit in a competition he is desperate to win. The Liverpool forward endured a frustrating night, failing to register a key pass, winning just four of 15 duels, and losing possession 14 times.
This came despite his strong form earlier in the tournament, where he scored four goals and ranked among the competition’s top scorers.
Supporters were critical of both Salah’s display and Egypt’s overall approach. Some claimed he was starved of service, while others questioned the tactics that left Salah isolated or playing out of position.
One fan criticised the setup bluntly: “Egypt has two of the best attackers in the world in Salah and Marmoush, yet they play defensive football.” Others insisted Mane was clearly the standout performer on the pitch.
Salah now returns to Liverpool with domestic ambitions still alive, as his club continue to push for a top-four finish while remaining in the Champions League and FA Cup. But once again, his AFCON dream has ended in heartbreak — and once again, it was Sadio Mane who delivered the decisive blow.