Mo Salah of Egypt and Sadio Mane of Senegal, once teammates at Liverpool, will face each other in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Tangiers tomorrow.
Both legends in their own right will be gunning for Continental glory. For Mo Salah, this could well be his last chance to lay hands on the coveted trophy, having lost to Senegal on penalties in the 2021 final. The Egyptian king would also be gunning for revenge for that heartbreaking loss. Sadio Mane, on the other hand, would be looking to repeat his country’s achievement of 2021 and another win over his celebrated compatriot from Liverpool.
READ Egypt Get The Better of Ivory Coast, Reach AFCON Semis
Egypt and Senegal have done their bit in the AFCON so far, with both teams topping their respective groups and making it to the semis with good performances, without much of a scare. Senegal got the better of a 10-man Mali in the quarters, while Egypt impressed with a fine 3-2 win over the now ousted champions, the Ivory Coast.
The critics, however, have given an edge to Senegal over Egypt due to the former’s depth in defence, the ability to surprise opposition on the counter and an extremely organised and tight midfield. With forwards like the experienced Sadio Mane and the quick Iliman Ndiaye, Senegal have a good goal-scoring potential. Pape Gueye has done well too, and the defence led by Kalidou Koulibaly is tough to beat.
READ Senegal Beat Mali Reach AFCON Semi-Final
Egypt have a terrific midfield and forward line with great goal-scoring abilities, led by Mo Salah ( who has already netted four goals in the competition). Omar Marmoush is not far behind, having scored a brilliant goal against the Ivory Coast. Ashour has tremendous speed, while Marwan Attia has looked good too. The defence might just be a shade weaker for Egypt.
In my opinion, however, both teams are well-matched and it would be an engrossing contest. I hope it is not a cagey affair and that we witness some fluent, sublime football. The spectre of the talismanic Mo Salah might just hold the cards in Tangiers.
We shall find out tomorrow.
Read Quick, Read Better @ rizkhan.in
Visit Sports FACTory YouTube Channel