Mohamed Salah’s long pursuit of Africa Cup of Nations glory faces a familiar obstacle as Egypt prepare to meet Senegal. Standing in his way once again is former Liverpool team-mate Sadio Mane, whose international successes have, repeatedly denied Salah continental triumph.
A Rivalry Forged Beyond Liverpool
Salah and Mane formed one of Europe’s most feared attacking partnerships during their Liverpool years. Despite shared success at club level, their relationship never extended beyond professional respect. Former team-mate Roberto Firmino once described them as colleagues rather than close friends.
Their rivalry truly intensified when they wore national colours, where individual ambition replaced shared objectives.
Contrasting International Fortunes
While both forwards dominated English football, their international journeys diverged sharply. Mane has lifted the AFCON trophy with Senegal and guided his country to the World Cup. Salah, despite Egypt’s rich history, remains without a continental title.
Egypt have won AFCON seven times, but none during Salah’s era.
Painful Memories on the African Stage
The most defining chapter of the rivalry came five years ago when Senegal defeated Egypt in the AFCON final. Mane missed a penalty in normal time but converted the decisive spot-kick in the shootout.
Weeks later, history repeated itself. Senegal eliminated Egypt from World Cup qualification, with Mane again scoring the decisive penalty while Salah watched Qatar 2022 from home.
Those moments still shape the narrative surrounding both stars.
Different Styles, Same Competitive Fire
Salah thrives on directness and goal-scoring instinct. Mane built his reputation on relentless work rate and team-first commitment. Their contrasting styles often clashed, even at Liverpool.
One notable incident saw Mane visibly frustrated after Salah opted to shoot instead of passing during a league match. The moment highlighted underlying tensions, even within success.
Yet both maintained professionalism throughout their shared career.
Salah’s Burning Desire for African Glory
Now 33, Salah has won almost every major club honour available. He helped Liverpool end a 30-year league title drought and played a decisive role in their Champions League success.
However, AFCON remains the missing piece.
“Nobody wants this title as much as I do,” Salah said after Egypt’s dramatic quarter-final victory. The statement reflected both ambition and unfinished business.
A Semi-Final With Heavy Stakes
Wednesday’s semi-final is more than a place in the final. It represents Salah’s opportunity to confront a rival who has repeatedly stood in his path.
Victory would move Egypt one step closer to ending Salah’s continental wait. Defeat would reinforce a painful pattern he is desperate to break.
With either Nigeria or Morocco awaiting the winner, the stage is set for another defining African night.
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