For football fans, some rivalries never fade, and Sadio Mane vs Mohamed Salah is one of them.
Every time Senegal face Egypt, memories rush back to 2022. Two finals. Two penalty shootouts. And twice, Mane stood tall while Salah was left heartbroken.
In Yaounde, Mane scored the kick that gave Senegal their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. Salah never even got to take his penalty.
Weeks later in Dakar, history repeated itself. Salah stepped up early this time and missed. Mane finished the job again.
Now, years later, they meet once more. Both are 33. Both are no longer at their explosive peak. But make no mistake giants don’t stop being giants.
Salah still carries Egypt on his shoulders, chasing redemption with every touch. Mane, calmer and wiser, leads Senegal with intelligence and belief.
Their Liverpool days brought trophies, tension, and respect and that edge still shows whenever they share a pitch.
This semi-final isn’t just about tactics or form. It’s about pride, memory, and unfinished business.
For Salah, it’s a chance to finally rewrite the story.
For Mane, it’s about proving history wasn’t luck.
As a fan, this is the kind of match you live for. Two legends. One continent. One more night to remember.
