Tangier, Morocco – The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal presents a narrative far surpassing a mere football match, evolving into a deeply personal quest for legacy. Egyptian captain Mohamed Salah, 33, confronts not only the formidable Senegalese squad but also the specter of past disappointments on the continental stage. His opponent, and former Liverpool teammate, Sadio Mane, has been the architect of Salah’s most painful international defeats.
Egypt, the record seven-time champions, last lifted the trophy in 2010. Salah’s journey has been marked by near-misses: finishing as runner-up in 2017 and 2021, a round-of-16 exit in 2019, and an injury-plagued 2023 tournament. ‘Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me,’ Salah declared after his decisive goal secured a quarter-final victory against Ivory Coast. ‘I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for.’
The historical context adds immense weight to the clash. In the 2021 Afcon final, a tense stalemate led to a penalty shootout where Mane redeemed an earlier missed penalty by converting the winning spot-kick, securing Senegal’s first continental title while a distraught Salah watched, unused. Just months later, their World Cup qualifying playoff again went to penalties. Salah blazed his effort over the bar, and Mane once again scored the decisive penalty, sending Senegal to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
This semifinal arrives amid a tumultuous period for Salah. His participation followed public comments expressing frustration with his situation at Liverpool, revealing a strained relationship with manager Arne Slot and sparking intense transfer speculation. However, the tournament has offered a sanctuary. He has found prolific form, netting four times in four matches—equaling his Premier League goal tally for the season—and stands just one goal shy of Egypt’s all-time Afcon scoring record.
Conversely, Mane has seamlessly transitioned into a leadership role for the Teranga Lions. While scoring once and providing three assists, his influence extends beyond statistics. ‘His role is an inspiration for his team-mates. Beyond his on-field skills, his leadership is vital,’ noted BBC Afrique journalist Babacar Faye. Senegal boasts a multifaceted attack, featuring talents like Iliman Ndiaye and Ismaila Sarr, reducing their reliance on any single player.
With the Afcon transitioning to a quadrennial schedule after the 2027 edition, this tournament likely represents the final opportunity for both aging superstars to claim Africa’s ultimate prize. For Salah, it is a chance to cement his legacy, validate his individual accolades with team glory, and finally overcome his Senegalese nemesis. For Mane, it is a mission to defend his crown and reaffirm his continental supremacy.