The Pharaohs of Egypt have been drawn to play against Senegal in the World Cup playoff slated for March and Mane is desperate to qualify
By Kehinde Okeowo
Teranga Lions of Senegal forward, Sadio Mane has said he and his striking partner, Mohamed Salah did not discuss his missing out on the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON trophy.
The 24-year-old made the revelation before their 2-0 win over Inter Milan in the first leg of the Champions League round of 16 ties on Wednesday night.
Mane’s Senegal during the 2021 AFCON, defeated Salah-led Egypt in the final via a penalty shootout to lift their first-ever title in January.
The Liverpool forward scored the winning penalty kick, as the Teranga Lions won 4-2 on penalties, rendering Salah’s penalty inconsequential and leaving him red-faced.
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The Pharaohs of Egypt have also been drawn to play against Senegal in the double-header World Cup qualifier slated for next month.
While responding to a question on the crucial 2022 World Cup qualifier in March, Mane revealed he and Salah have an unwritten pact not to discuss the upcoming playoff.
He went on to say qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World is very important to him, his teammates, and his country.
“Me and Mo Salah don’t even talk about it,” Mane told the Que Golazo YouTube channel when asked about the AFCON final and next month’s World Cup qualifier between Senegal and Egypt.
He added, “I think that I’m still thinking about my African Cup but it’s also an important game that means a lot to me and my people.
“If we can qualify – and we will do everything to do it – it’s very important for me, my teammates, and my country because it’s a really, really massive competition, which is a dream for any football player.”
He continued: “Until now – you won’t believe me – but we haven’t talked about it, because I know he’s still disappointed for sure.”