Liverpool duo Mo Salah and Sadio Mane have reached the final of the African Cup of Nations and Demba Ba has made an early choice for his Player of the Tournament. With the final being on Sunday, he picked Mane.
Both captaining their countries, Salah and Mane were expected to guide Senegal and Egypt respectively to the final – and it has come about. Senegal look somewhat unbeatable, conceding just two goals in their six games.
Indeed, 80-time Senegal international Mane has scored three goals in those six matches – laying on two assists. In the semi-final against Burkina Faso, he scored and created another – a stunning performance on the big stage.
Salah has also been good, but some way off the performances of Mane. Egypt have not been as solid as Senegal, having to win two penalty shootouts against the Round of 16 and the semi-finals.
The Egyptian has scored two goals in his six games, laying on one assist. Ba took to Twitter to discuss his Player of the Tournament before Sunday’s final – and he thinks Mane has the been the best during the competition.
Ba on Mane: Liverpool star has been unstoppable during AFCON
That is, even after a blow to the head in which many expected Mane to be ruled out. He has been superb for his country. Of course, Ba might be slightly biased, he is from Senegal – but it is hard to argue with his choice.
The Liverpool star has played with passion, with fire but combined with the quality that Reds fans get to see week in, week out. He is a superb player and Senegal are expected to go on and win the competition this weekend.
