Heartbreak for Mohamed Salah as Sadio Mane fires Senegal to AFCON final

Last Updated on 14 January 2026

Few rivalries in modern football carry the weight of Mohamed Salah vs Sadio Mane. Once the two biggest pillars of Liverpool’s attack, the two have repeatedly found themselves on opposite sides of the biggest international moments.

And AFCON has a habit of forcing them into direct conflict. This year’s semi-final was billed as another chapter in that ongoing duel, with club loyalties parked and national pride on the line.

For Egypt, it was about restoring dominance. For Senegal, it was about defending status. And for Salah and Mane, it was personal history resurfacing under the brightest lights.

Sadio Mane scores late winner as Senegal edge Egypt in fiery semi-final

The semi-final between Senegal and Egypt was every bit as tense as expected. A match defined by physical battles, touchline drama and one decisive moment of quality.

The flashpoint came in the first half when Salah clipped Mane, as the former Liverpool winger tried to break free. Salah’s furious reaction to the foul spilled over onto the sidelines, where members of both coaching staffs became embroiled in a heated exchange.

In the fallout, Senegal midfielder Habib Diarra was booked, a caution that rules him out of the final despite his side’s victory.

On the pitch, Egypt struggled to impose themselves. Salah was largely kept quiet, managing little influence in the opening 45 minutes, while Mane remained Senegal’s most dangerous outlet, repeatedly driving forward and testing Egypt’s defensive shape.

The breakthrough arrived in the 78th minute. Picking up space outside the box, Mane unleashed a powerful strike from distance that beat the Egyptian goalkeeper and sent Senegal into another AFCON final.

It was a familiar script. Four years after breaking Egyptian hearts in the final, Mane once again proved decisive with a Man of the Match performance, as per CAF.

What does Egypt’s exit from AFCON mean for Salah and Liverpool?

For Salah, the defeat brings an end to his AFCON campaign. Liverpool face Burnley on Saturday but Egypt will be playing their third-place fixture in AFCON, at the same time.

As a result, it’s realistic to expect Salah’s return for Liverpool’s trip to Marseille in the Champions League on Wednesday night. And, just like that, spotlight will return to Arne Slot and what he decides to do with Mohamed Salah.

Will Anfield’s Egyptian come straight into the playing XI? Or will Slot stick to his guns and use him off the bench, at least in the beginning? The Dutchman’s managed an 11-game unbeaten streak in all competitions in Salah’s absence.

Either way, Liverpool gain a superstar amidst Egypt’s misery. And, given Liverpool’s current predicament regarding injuries, it is a welcome sight for Anfield to welcome Salah back.