Sadio Mane scored and assisted in the semi-final game against Burkino Faso as Senegal books a place in the final of the AFCON competition.
The Liverpool No. 10 continued his good run of form in the competition as he clipped a calm, left-foot finish over the goalkeeper in the 87th minute. The goal blew out Burkina Faso’s hopes of a late fightback soon after they had pulled a goal back.
The goal was Mane’s third goal of the competition so far. Also, in the game Mane provided an assist to Idrissa Gueye to put Senegal 2-0 up in the 76th minute.
But underdogs Burkina Faso responded quickly to grab a goal back to set up a potentially dramatic ending. But Liverpool star Mane scored the third goal to end Burkina Faso’s campaign in the AFCON.
Earlier in the game, Senegal were ruled out two penalties in the first half after VAR reviews. But the tie burst into life at the later stage, with all four goals coming in the last 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, Senegal’s starting eleven reflected the side as a giant African force & also tournament favourites. Sadio Mane lined up alongside the likes of Idrissa Gueye, Ahmadou Bamba Dieng, Cheikhou Kouyate, Kalidou Koulibaly, and goalkeeper Eduoard Mendy.
The result ensures Senegal into the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. The final will take place hours after the conclusion of Liverpool’s FA Cup fixture against Cardiff City.
This will be Senegal’s second successive final in the AFCON competition. And Mane would be hoping to win the showpiece this time. In 2019 also Senegal reached the finals held in Egypt but lost to Algeria.
Will it be Sadio Mane vs Mo Salah in the AFCON final ?
After thrashing Burkina Faso in the semi-final, Senegal will have to wait until Thursday’s semi-final to see who they will meet in the final. But there is a strong possibility of it being a Sadio Mane vs Mo Salah final.
The second semifinal will be played between the two most successful teams in AFCON history. As two heavyweights Egypt and Cameroon are up against each other.
Egypt has a record seven titles while on the other hand, Cameroon have won five. The game is a repeat of 2017 final, which was won by Cameroon.
The Liverpool No.10 has to wait for Thursday’s second semi-final tie to see whether he will be facing his Anfield teammate in Sunday’s AFCON final.
