Mohamed Salah sets up Sadio Mane meeting in Afcon semi-finals

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Mohamed Salah has helped set up a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations semi-final meeting between former Liverpool teammates Salah and Sadio Mané, as Egypt and Senegal move to within one game of continental glory. The article explains how Salah inspired Egypt to a dramatic quarter-final victory, scoring and influencing the playmaker role as his side edged past a strong Ivory Coast team to book their place in the last four. His performance, full of leadership and composure in the key moments, underlined his status as Egypt’s talisman and one of the decisive figures of the tournament.

On the other side of the draw, Mané has been equally central for Senegal, driving his nation forward with his blend of work rate, direct running and clinical finishing. The piece highlights the narrative symmetry of the semi-final: two of Liverpool’s modern greats, whose partnership defined Jürgen Klopp’s attack for years, now standing in each other’s way on the international stage. What was once a mutually beneficial club connection has become a straight duel for a place in the AFCON final, with national expectations resting heavily on both forwards.

The article also reflects on their shared history at Liverpool, from winning the Champions League and Premier League together to occasionally competing for the spotlight and individual awards. It suggests that this AFCON clash adds a new chapter to their relationship, shifting the dynamic from teammates to high-stakes rivals, while still rooted in mutual respect. Beyond the personal storyline, the match is framed as a meeting of two of Africa’s most consistent footballing powers, with Salah and Mané embodying the rise of African superstars at the very top of the European game.