Mane v Mbemba: An AFCON cameo to relish in Morocco

Key Highlights

• Mane may be less in the media limelight since exchanging Liverpool and Bayern Munich for Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr two years ago. But last month in Turkey he issued a reminder that his predatory instincts remain, scoring a hat-trick as Senegal crushed Kenya 8-0 in a warm-up for the AFCON. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMane has already scaled the African football summit, converting the decisive penalty to give the Teranga Lions a shootout victory over Egypt in the 2022 final in Yaounde. Three years earlier, Mane featured in another AFCON final.
• However, he had to settle for a silver medal as an early goal from Algeria proved the only one of the title decider in Cairo. Senegal disappointed at the most recent AFCON, early last year in the Ivory Coast.
• After winning all three group matches they lost on penalties to the host nation in a last-16 clash. Long-serving coach Aliou Cisse did not have his contract renewed and another former national team star, Pape Thiaw, has proved a successful replacement.
• AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisement- Crucial contributions -A friendly loss to record five-time World Cup champions Brazil last month was his first setback after 10 victories and two draws.
• Trouncing Kenya three days later upped the win count. Mbemba recently celebrated representing his country 100 times with two crucial contributions as DR Congo seek a return to the World Cup for the first time since 1974. In African play-offs among the best four group runners-up, Mbemba snatched the late goal that sank Cameroon 1-0 in a semi-final in Morocco. When the final against Nigeria finished 1-1 after extra time in Rabat, a shootout ensued and the penalty that separated the teams was calmly converted by Mbemba.