BY VICTOR OSOWOCHI – Senegal forward, Sadio Mane says his Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah of Egypt will be back stronger after the Pharaohs suffered a 4-2 penalty defeat during Sunday’s final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The 29-year-old Lion of Teranga described Salah as a great champion whose career progression will not be distracted by the temporary setback in Cameroon.
Both Liverpool players came face to face in the 33rd edition’s final at Olembe Stadium and it was Mane who had the last laugh after converting the decisive penalty to hand the Lions of Teranga their first-ever AFCON crown in the 65-year-old continental championship.
When asked what message he had for Salah after the defeat, Mane said; “He knows more, he is a champion and he knows today this defeat will not bother him too much because it is not the first time and it is part of the game. So it can happen and if it happens I know he is very strong will come back stronger.”
The referee’s final whistle after the penalty shootout saw Mane taking his time to embrace and encourage the heartbroken Salah while his teammates were still celebrating winning the trophy.
However, the decision to have Salah line up for the fifth penalty has sparked a lot of debate with Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher, arguing it was not the best decision from Egypt.
Carragher wrote on his social media page; “That is why your best penalty taker should never go fifth”, adding; “Salah not taking a penalty for Egypt in a shootout in a final is madness.”
Tied at goalless after 120 minutes of play, the game was decided by penalties. However, after Egypt’s Mohamed Abdelmonem saw his kick hit the left-hand upright, the Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski reacted immediately to deny Bouna Sarr.
With Chelsea’s Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy denying Mohanad Lasheen, it was Mane, who took the decisive spot-kick to seal his country’s victory, denying Salah the chance as Egypt’s fifth penalty taker.
Though Mane and Salah will be heading back to Liverpool, they may likely miss the next Premiership league game against Leicester City on Thursday at Anfield. However, both players could be ready to face Burnley at Turf Moor on Sunday. – With Goal.com reports
