The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2026 semifinal stage sets up a showdown. It’s Senegal versus Egypt, a rematch of old rivals. And at its heart is the renewed Salah-Mane rivalry, a clash of former Liverpool teammates. They meet Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. local time in Tangier, Morocco. This isn’t just a game; it’s a chapter in a long, dramatic story.
A Rivalry Forged in Fire
Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talisman, and Sadio Mane, Senegal’s spearhead, were Liverpool brothers for five years. They won a lot together under Jurgen Klopp. But international duty always meant they’d face off. Their last club game together was the Champions League final loss to Real Madrid in May 2022. Mane moved on after that, first to Bayern Munich, then Al-Nassr. He’s now 33, Salah is 33 too.
Their national teams have a history of breaking hearts, especially Salah’s. The 2022 AFCON final saw Senegal beat Egypt on penalties. Mane scored the winning kick, bringing Senegal their first title. Salah was set to take Egypt’s fifth penalty, but never got the chance. He was visibly upset, Liverpool Echo reported. Not long after, in a World Cup qualifying playoff, Senegal again won on penalties. Salah missed his spot-kick. Mane converted his. Egypt was out of the Qatar World Cup. It was tough for Salah, two big losses to his former teammate.
These contests, steeped in drama, just add to the narrative. They’ve both made the 2026 World Cup in North America. This AFCON semifinal might be the last major international meeting for these two veterans. It’s a big deal for them.
The Stakes Are Higher Than Ever
For Salah, this AFCON is a personal quest. He’s won almost everything at club level. But a continental title with Egypt? That’s missing. “Nobody, even in Egypt, wants to win this trophy more than me,” Salah stated after Egypt beat Ivory Coast in the quarterfinal. “I have won almost every prize. This is the title I am waiting for.” He’s in top form too, with four goals and one assist in four matches. He’s been crucial for Egypt, PerSecondNews noted.
Mane hasn’t scored yet, but he’s got three assists in five appearances. He’s part of a dangerous attacking trio for Senegal, with Ismaïla Sarr and Iliman Ndiaye. Senegal beat Sudan 3-1 in their quarterfinal. And Egypt progressed by beating Ivory Coast. The other semifinal has Nigeria facing hosts Morocco, later that same day in Rabat.
Egypt’s defense has some worries. Their captain, Ahmed Hegazi, might be out after limping off. Senegal could get midfielder Pape Matar Sarr back. He missed their last game. But both teams seem mostly healthy otherwise. This game could go either way. Past matches between them have often been decided by the smallest margins. And it wouldn’t surprise anyone if it comes down to penalties again.
Beyond the Pitch: Personal Dynamics
Their relationship wasn’t always smooth at Anfield. Mane once got angry when Salah didn’t pass to him against Burnley in 2019. Mane talked about it recently, saying they weren’t close friends. But he called Salah a “nice guy.” He said, “Sometimes he passes me, sometimes he doesn’t pass me.” That’s just how it was.
Pundits often highlight Salah’s lack of international silverware. Nigeria legend Jay-Jay Okocha said, “In Africa you might win whatever trophy with your club, if you don’t win anything for your nation, they don’t regard you as a legend.” Jamie Carragher also brought up Salah’s lack of AFCON success recently. These comments just add fuel to Salah’s fire. He wants this trophy bad, and he knows everyone’s watching.
Salah’s current club form, and questions around his future at Liverpool with new head coach Arne Slot, add another layer. He’s been benched sometimes this season. But he’s performing for Egypt, scoring more goals for his country than his club right now. He’s proving he still deserves star status. This semifinal is huge for his legacy, both for Egypt and perhaps even for his club career.
This match is more than just a semifinal. It’s a battle between two giants of African football, driven by individual ambition and national pride. It’s Mane defending Senegal’s title, and Salah chasing the one trophy that’s evaded him. Tangier awaits a clash that promises drama, passion, and maybe, another penalty shootout.
Baishali Karmakar 
Annsly Raena