Mohamed Salah vs Sadio Mané: Egypt Face Senegal in AFCON Semi-Finals

In a highly anticipated AFCON 2025 semi-final in Tangier, Morocco, Egypt's Mohamed Salah confronts his former Liverpool teammate Sadio Mané as the Pharaohs battle Senegal for a spot in the final. Salah, desperate for his first Africa Cup of Nations title after final losses in 2017 and 2021, has been in scintillating form, netting four goals—including the decider in a 3-2 quarter-final win over Ivory Coast—and providing one assist, totaling five direct goal involvements.[1][2][4]

The Egyptian King views the trophy as the missing piece in his illustrious career: "I have won almost every honour in the game, but this is the one I am waiting for."[1] Egypt coach Hossam Hassan praises Salah's morale, noting he plays with fresh passion.[1] However, challenges loom: Salah has yet to score against Senegal in five meetings (1 win, 1 draw, 3 losses), while Mané holds a strong record (3 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss, 1 goal).[2][3]

Senegal, tournament favorites and 2021 champions, rely on collective strength with 23 Europe-based players compared to Egypt's three.[1] Mané, who scored the decisive penalty in the 2021 final to deny Salah, leads with 19 goal involvements (one more than Salah's 16 across tournaments) and has created the most chances (14).[1][2][3] Despite on-pitch rivalry—"There was tension with Sadio, but we were professional," Salah once said—the duo shared 223 Liverpool appearances, exchanging 35 assists.[2][3]

Senegal's attack, featuring Iliman Ndiaye, Nicolas Jackson, and Mané, has dismantled defenses efficiently, topping their group and winning 3-1 over Benin and another 3-0 in quarters.[2] Egypt's resilient defense meets Senegal's ambition in a tactical clash under Tangier's lights, where fine margins and national pride will decide who advances.[2] Salah, playing like a man on a mission, faces long odds but endless possibilities.[1]

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