By Ogie Osagie, Benin City on February 6, 2022

Today's Africa Cup of Nations football summit final will revolve around the duo of Mane and his Liverpool FC of England teammate Mohammed Salah in what promises to be a first class football showpiece that would set the tone to who carries the day at the end of the anticipated make or break encounter carrying lots of wits and brawns from two ever determined teams that have thickened African football at that level and also have produced and continues to produce first players of African extraction  showcasing their ever rich and enduring trades out there.
Obviously, Senegal is in the final for the second time in a row and sadly yet to drink from the victorious Cup, the AFCON crown,  recalls it lost in the final in 2019 against Algeria and the 2002 edition against Cameroun. However the Pharaohs of Egypt have won record of seven AFCON titles but have not since 2010.

Coach Alou Cissé of Senegal and his wards beat Burkina Faso comfortably 3-1 to reach the final while Egypt struggled against the hosts Cameroun and after a 0-0 full and extra time; they went into penalties 3-1 that Egypt through. It would be recalled that that was Pharaoh’s third extra time and second penalty shoot-out in the tournament.
From  data analysis, Senegal has been a dominating side and their dominance on paper has translated into the pitch. The
Teranga Lions have scored a total of 9 goals (8 of them in the knock-out stage) which is much better than Egypt’s 4 goals.

Leading the attacks of both teams are Liverpool duo of Sadio Mané (Senegal) and Mohamed Salah (Egypt).two showmanship lads today's epic game may revolve around. They may likely shape the direction of today's now or never final for especially Senegal who despite her near thick records in the championship are yet to win the diadem a dream this set of the Lions of the Teranga would cherish much more to come through.
However, their day's opponent, Egypt has greater pedigree on the competition haven won record of seven times. An uphill task analysts and bookmakers have already said. In football nothing is impossible. It won;t be child's play all the same. Both sides are ready and Egypt home government has already promised the boys hefty rewards if it won the Cup for the 8th time. 

Mané’s tournament so far has been more positive than Salah’s. The Senegalese has scored 5 goals while Salah has only scored 3 goals. Both players have had their ups and downs so far in the tournament. Mané has been more decisive but his role is also more focused on finishing his team’s attacks while Salah has been in charge of creating chances more often. Both of them should be key for their nations in their quest to win the AFCON 2021 title, no doubt two exceptional lads that all eyes would be on today. Let this beautiful  game flow! 

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 6, 2022

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