AFCON 2025: Sadio Mane feels sorry for Salah after win

Senegal star Sadio Mane sent a message to Mohamed Salah after he scored to send Egypt out of the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

Mané scored the decisive goal in the 78th minute of their semifinal tie at Tangier Grand Stadium on Wednesday, as the Senegalese earned a deserved victory and passage to the title decider on Sunday.

Mané paid tribute to Salah and the Pharaohs, who they also defeated in the 2021 AFCON final.

“[I’d like] to pay tribute to Egypt, of course, and as I always said, Egypt, for me, is the best-ever team in Africa and today they showed it again,” said Mane. “Wow, what a team, it was not easy for us and we expected that because it’s Africa Cup and we struggled, but we kept patient.

“Facing these great players, especially Mo Salah – one of the best players in the world, and of course he’s always giving his best for the team, it’s unfortunate for him today as well.

“But I just want to say this is part of football and yeah, just get up and keep fighting for your dream because we know I can’t be here to talk about Egypt otherwise I won’t sleep all night, but big respect for this team and I wish them the best of luck.”