Sadio Mane (Liverpool) from Senegal and an Algerian (Man City) captained by Riyad Mahrez, have had bookmakers, punters a sleepless nights as who will lift the ACN trophy aloft?
Although both won major club titles this season — Mahrez the English Premier League with Manchester City and Mane the Champions League with Liverpool — they agreed that winning the AFCON for their countries would be something special.
It’s a case of double trouble MM?
Both players are hot properties in their own right and fans know the grass will suffer; as both go at each other’s throat wrestling for the gold medal.
Senegal, the 2002 runners-up, are desperate to end a long wait for a first continental title, while Algeria are looking to add to the trophy they lifted as hosts 29 years ago.
For Senegal, Africa’s top ranked side, the ride to the final has encountered its share of bumps in the road but there is little doubt the showpiece at the 75 000-capacity Cairo International Stadium will feature the tournament’s two standout teams.
A Youcef Belaili goal gave Algeria a 1-0 win when the countries met in the group stage, but this time there is no second chance with Cup of Nations immortality awaiting the victor.
Who will go home with a fractured ego after the final whistle Mane or Mahrez- we await?
Image (Lions of Teranga’s Sadio Mane has a point to prove against Algers in AFCON Cup finale).
