In a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, former Liverpool teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set to renew their rivalry as Egypt faces Senegal on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. This clash revives memories of their dramatic past encounters, including Senegal’s victory in the 2022 final, and offers Salah a chance for redemption.
The match will take place at the Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Morocco, with a spot in the final against either Nigeria or host nation Morocco at stake. Both teams have navigated challenging paths to reach this stage, with Egypt knocking out defending champions Ivory Coast in a thrilling quarter-final, while Senegal edged past Mali with a narrow win.
Salah, 33, is Egypt’s talisman and has scored four goals in the tournament, showcasing his enduring class despite arriving in Morocco short of his best form. Known as “the Egyptian King,” he is desperate to secure his first Afcon title after finishing as runner-up twice, in 2017 and 2021. His counterpart, Mane, also 33, may not be as explosive as in his prime, but his intelligence and experience remain crucial for Senegal, the pre-tournament favourites.
The rivalry between Salah and Mane is steeped in history, dating back to their time at Liverpool where they won Premier League and Champions League titles together. However, their relationship was often described as competitive rather than close, with occasional on-field tensions, such as during a 2019 match at Burnley. Off the pitch, they have mutual respect, but the national team clashes add an extra layer of intensity.
In international football, Salah has struggled against Mane, with Senegal winning key encounters. The most poignant was the 2022 Afcon final in Yaoundé, where Mane scored the winning penalty in a shootout after a 0-0 draw, leaving Salah disconsolate on the halfway line. Just weeks later, in a World Cup qualifier, Mane again prevailed as Senegal won on penalties, with Salah missing his kick.
Both players have inspiring backgrounds, having left home at age 15 to pursue football careers—Mane from Bambali in Senegal and Salah from Nagrig in Egypt. They have since become icons, funding infrastructure projects in their home countries. This semi-final could be their last competitive meeting, adding to the narrative weight.
Egypt, record seven-time Afcon champions, rely on Salah and forward Omar Marmoush, while Senegal boast depth with players like Kalidou Koulibaly and young talent Ibrahim Mbaye. The tactical battle will be key, with Egypt’s coach Hossam Hassan and Senegal’s Pape Thiaw preparing for a tight contest.
As the football world watches, this match is more than just a semi-final; it’s a personal duel between two African legends. For Salah, it’s an opportunity to overcome past heartbreaks and lead Egypt to glory, while Mane aims to cement Senegal’s status as a continental power. The outcome will shape their legacies and determine who advances to chase the Afcon crown on Sunday.
