This is particularly a big blow to Mohamed Salah's individual ambition of winning the international trophy for his country, which has remained an elusive mission in his career so far. For Mane and his teammates, the dream of winning the second AFCON trophy remains very much alive after progressing to the ultimate stage. The win means Senegal have stamped their authority on this fixture, as they have a decent record against the Pharaohs, where they have now won four of their last six games. 

While Arne Slot seems to think that Liverpool's starting line-up is stronger without Mohamed Salah, the winger has been conspicuous by his absence in recent weeks, with the Reds struggling to score goals without their talisman. It's clear that they need their Egyptian King back at Anfield as quickly as possible. Salah, though, is desperate to extend his stay at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Indeed, he's not even attempting to hide just how much the tournament means to him.

The Teranga Lions asserted their credentials as tournament favourites with a convincing win over the Zebras. Earlier on, DR Congo continued to shine following their AFCON opening win over their Group D rivals. Just recently, they defeated Nigeria to book a ticket to the intercontinental World Cup qualifiers set to be played in March 2026. Benin's AFCON campaign, a tournament they missed in 2021 and 2023, has suffered a faulty start.

Former Liverpool star Sadio Mane explained exactly why he's blown away by 'incredible' Al-Nassr team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo. Mane has shared a dressing room with Ronaldo for more than two years and has built a formidable partnership with the Portuguese legend in the Al-Nassr attack. Mane moved to Saudi Arabia in the summer of 2023, just six months after Ronaldo arrived at the club.

Sadio Mane has lifted the lid on his fractious relationship with Mo Salah and revealed what really happened during the public falling out with his former Liverpool team-mate during the 3-0 win at Burnley in August 2019. Mane has also named the player who he feels he's had the best playing relationship throughout his trophy-laden career.