Salah vs Mane: Afcon Semi-Final Clash Rekindles Rivalry

Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to face off in a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) semi-final showdown as Egypt take on Senegal in Tangier on Wednesday at 17:00 GMT.

This clash reignites a fierce international rivalry between two African icons and former Liverpool teammates, both aged 33, possibly making their final bid for continental glory.

Rivalry Renewed on the Biggest Stage

Salah, Egypt’s captain and all-time great, has yet to lift the Afcon trophy despite playing in two finals (2017, 2021). Injuries and heartbreak have haunted his international career, but he is now just one win away from another final.

His opponent? None other than Sadio Mane, the man who denied him Afcon glory in the 2021 final and World Cup qualification in 2022 — both times on penalties.

Mane scored the winning spot-kicks on both occasions, while Salah watched in despair. This Afcon semi-final is more than a match — it’s a shot at redemption.

Salah: Final Chance for Glory?

The 33-year-old “Egyptian King” came into the tournament under pressure following a rift with Liverpool boss Arne Slot and transfer speculation. But he’s found form in Morocco, scoring four goals in four games, including match-winners against Zimbabwe, South Africa, and Ivory Coast.

With 11 career Afcon goals, Salah is now level with national coach Hossam Hassan and one behind Egypt’s record holder Hassan El-Shazly.

He’s backed by the likes of Omar Marmoush (Man City), Trezeguet, and Mostafa Mohamed, giving the Pharaohs plenty of attacking firepower.

Mane: Senegal’s Creative Leader

Mane scored the penalty against Salah’s Egypt which delivered Senegal’s first Afcon title

While Mane has only scored once at this Afcon, he’s provided three crucial assists and leads Senegal in chance creation. His influence is felt beyond stats—his leadership, presence, and clutch moments have kept Senegal’s title defence alive.

The Teranga Lions also boast a formidable lineup with:

• Iliman Ndiaye (Everton) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace) on the flanks

• Nicolas Jackson or Habib Diallo as the target man

• A rising star in 17-year-old Ibrahim Mbaye, who has impressed from the bench

Senegal’s experienced core — Edouard Mendy, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gana Gueye — all return from their 2021 title-winning run.

Personal Tensions, Professional Respect

The pair helped Liverpool end a 30-year wait for a top-flight title in the 2019-20 campaign

Though they won the Champions League and Premier League together, Salah and Mane had a few moments of tension at Liverpool.

“Sometimes he’d pass, sometimes he wouldn’t,” Mane said recently. “Only Bobby [Firmino] shared the ball.”

Despite this, both share a deep mutual respect and admiration for each other’s achievements — but only one will walk away from Tangier a winner.

The Verdict

This Afcon semi-final isn’t just about two of Africa’s biggest football stars — it’s about legacy.

For Mane, another final could cement Senegal’s place as Africa’s new powerhouse.

For Salah, this could be the last shot at the one title he craves most — a victory that could complete his glittering career and finally silence the narrative that greatness needs an Afcon crown.