Egypt will not be part of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar as Sadio Mane again got better over his Liverpool teammate Mo Salah.
The fixture was a repeat of the AFCON final with only one spot in Qatar up for grabs. Previously, on Friday Egypt registered a 1-0 win as the two sides met again in Diamniadio on Tuesday evening,
Sadio Mane netted the decisive penalty kick as African champions Senegal defeated Egypt 3-1 on penalties. Senegal are through to reach their third World Cup finals.
Meanwhile, Salah misses out on the global showpiece after inspiring Egypt to qualify for the 2018 edition.
The hosts were by far the better side in the first half in front of a raucous crowd of 50,000. Also, Senegal controlled most exchanges but both teams wasted some glorious opportunities. After the end of 120 minutes, the two sides settled for 1-0 (1-1 on agg).
Once again, Sadio Mane delivered for Senegal as Mo Salah on the other end missed the opening spot-kick.
Earlier in this year’s AFCON final, Senegal defeated Egypt 4-2 in an equally dramatic shootout.
Mo Salah was under laser target before he missed the penalty for Egypt
Senegal fans adopted dirty tactics in a bid to give their team an advantage during the game. Several Egyptian players were under a host of green lasers.
Goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy was also a prime target for Senegal fans. The home fans cruelly made sure laser lights affect the goalie while he’s in a free kick or for each penalty in the crucial shootout.
But it was the penalty attempt from Mo Salah that had plenty of fans taking issue. As Salah was preparing himself for the penalty kick, dozens of green lasers pointed all around his face in an effort to blind and distract him.
Salah then skied the penalty kick over the goal, and we all know why.
It was complete harassment for the Egyptian players on the pitch from Senegalese fans.
Moreover, according to FIFA, the responsibility to prevent laser pointers falls on the host, which could result in disciplinary measures taken against the Senegal team.
Via Input:
As stated in the FIFA Stadium Safety and Security Regulations, laser pointers are considered prohibited items by FIFA and confiscated when the spectators are checked at the outer stadium perimeter,” a FIFA spokesperson tells Input. “When incidents happen within the applicable scope of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code, disciplinary measures may be taken based on article 16, paragraph 2,” which state that teams are liable for inappropriate behavior from their fans and they may be subject to disciplinary measures should they should show any negligence in stopping the “the use of laser pointers or similar electronic devices.
The officials of the game saw what was happening on the ground but let the play continue.
