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Sadio Mane shows true colours with Mo Salah comments after Liverpool icons clash
Sadio Mane has sent a message of support to Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward's Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak, with Egypt suffering semi-final defeat to Senegal
Ex-Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has lauded his former team-mate Mohamed Salah for his performances with Egypt, even though it meant dashing his Africa Cup of Nations dreams.
The Senegalese icon scored the crucial goal in the 1-0 win that propelled his nation into Sunday's final against host country Morocco. Salah's focus now shifts to clinching a bronze medal against Nigeria, following their penalty shootout loss to the hosts which stopped them from reaching the continental final.
The 33-year-old will have to bide his time for another chance to end Egypt's quest for the trophy, a pursuit that has eluded both Salah and Egypt since their triumph in Angola 16 years ago.
By the time the next tournament rolls around, the Liverpool star will be 36; Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the competition slated for June and July in 2027.
In an interview with BBC World Service, Mane stated: "It is not easy for him - but still best of luck. He did everything to carry his team until now. Unfortunately one of us had to [lose]. I'm happy [to be] in the final."
The duo shared a hug before stepping onto the pitch, but the semi-final wasn't without its share of drama, as Salah fouled his ex-teammate to halt a counter-attack, sparking a face-off between both benches.
The Egyptian avoided punishment for the incident as both he and Mané stepped in as peacemakers, trying to defuse escalating tensions during the semi-final clash.
Mané left Liverpool in 2022 for Bayern Munich, but his Bavarian spell went awry, leading to a move to the Saudi Pro League where he joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo.
For Salah, it felt like history repeating itself as his former Anfield colleague crushed Egyptian dreams once more, just as Senegal had managed in the 2021 AFCON final.
That encounter remained goalless after extra-time, with Mané missing an early spot-kick before redeeming himself in the penalty shootout to clinch a historic victory.
The 4-2 triumph from twelve yards meant Salah never had the opportunity to rescue his country, as Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen both had their attempts saved.
During the competition, Salah had been absolutely brilliant for Houssam Hassan's side, scoring four times - with only Brahim Diaz managing more in the battle for golden boot glory.
The 33-year-old netted in each of his first four outings, before being rested for the dead rubber final Group B meeting with Angola, having provided vital strikes against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
After Egypt's semi-final exit, boss Hassan didn't hold back in his interview, saying: "Egypt does not need excuses and apologies. Egypt is great and no one will dare to win seven titles like us.
"We just needed fairness like [Senegal]. We played the day after the Senegal match, who are playing in the semi on the same field, and I'm surprised by that. By what FIFA law is what happened to the Egypt team done?"
"When a team reaches the semis, do you honour it or torture it? It is expected that teams will be given a break fairly among them to see a great semi, but what happened is that the three teams got more rest.
"I told the players to ignore [the chants from the stands] and focus. I don't want to talk about it. We are Arabs of Africa, and Egypt is great, the mother of the Arabs and the mother of Africa in terms of history and the titles, and everyone is jealous!".
Daily Star Sunday
Sadio Mane has sent a message of support to Mohamed Salah after the Liverpool forward's Africa Cup of Nations heartbreak, with Egypt suffering semi-final defeat to Senegal
Ex-Liverpool winger Sadio Mane has lauded his former team-mate Mohamed Salah for his performances with Egypt, even though it meant dashing his Africa Cup of Nations dreams.
The Senegalese icon scored the crucial goal in the 1-0 win that propelled his nation into Sunday's final against host country Morocco. Salah's focus now shifts to clinching a bronze medal against Nigeria, following their penalty shootout loss to the hosts which stopped them from reaching the continental final.
The 33-year-old will have to bide his time for another chance to end Egypt's quest for the trophy, a pursuit that has eluded both Salah and Egypt since their triumph in Angola 16 years ago.
By the time the next tournament rolls around, the Liverpool star will be 36; Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the competition slated for June and July in 2027.
In an interview with BBC World Service, Mane stated: "It is not easy for him - but still best of luck. He did everything to carry his team until now. Unfortunately one of us had to [lose]. I'm happy [to be] in the final."
The duo shared a hug before stepping onto the pitch, but the semi-final wasn't without its share of drama, as Salah fouled his ex-teammate to halt a counter-attack, sparking a face-off between both benches.
The Egyptian avoided punishment for the incident as both he and Mané stepped in as peacemakers, trying to defuse escalating tensions during the semi-final clash.
Mané left Liverpool in 2022 for Bayern Munich, but his Bavarian spell went awry, leading to a move to the Saudi Pro League where he joined forces with Cristiano Ronaldo.
For Salah, it felt like history repeating itself as his former Anfield colleague crushed Egyptian dreams once more, just as Senegal had managed in the 2021 AFCON final.
That encounter remained goalless after extra-time, with Mané missing an early spot-kick before redeeming himself in the penalty shootout to clinch a historic victory.
The 4-2 triumph from twelve yards meant Salah never had the opportunity to rescue his country, as Mohamed Abdelmonem and Mohanad Lasheen both had their attempts saved.
During the competition, Salah had been absolutely brilliant for Houssam Hassan's side, scoring four times - with only Brahim Diaz managing more in the battle for golden boot glory.
The 33-year-old netted in each of his first four outings, before being rested for the dead rubber final Group B meeting with Angola, having provided vital strikes against Zimbabwe and South Africa.
After Egypt's semi-final exit, boss Hassan didn't hold back in his interview, saying: "Egypt does not need excuses and apologies. Egypt is great and no one will dare to win seven titles like us.
"We just needed fairness like [Senegal]. We played the day after the Senegal match, who are playing in the semi on the same field, and I'm surprised by that. By what FIFA law is what happened to the Egypt team done?"
"When a team reaches the semis, do you honour it or torture it? It is expected that teams will be given a break fairly among them to see a great semi, but what happened is that the three teams got more rest.
"I told the players to ignore [the chants from the stands] and focus. I don't want to talk about it. We are Arabs of Africa, and Egypt is great, the mother of the Arabs and the mother of Africa in terms of history and the titles, and everyone is jealous!".
Daily Star Sunday