Liverpool forward, Mohammed Salah has said the AFCON trophy would be the closest to his heart if the Pharoahs lift the title.
In Sunday’s final, Egypt, the most successful team in Africa Cup of Nations history, will face Senegal, a team that, somewhat surprisingly, has never won it.
Egypt has won the trophy seven times and will look to make it eight after defeating hosts Cameroon on penalties in Thursday’s semi-final.
Senegal, meanwhile, took advantage of a relatively easy path to the final, defeating Burkina Faso 3-1 on Wednesday night.
Intriguingly, the two countries have also been drawn against each other in next month’s World Cup qualifying playoffs, so this match marks the beginning of what could be an exciting trilogy.
Of course, it pits Liverpool teammates Sadio Mane and Mo Salah against each other.
Mane and Salah have never won the African Cup of Nations.
Egypt has gone to extra time in all three of their knockout stage matches so far, and they have had 24 hours less time to prepare for Sunday’s final than their opponents.
This could force Carlos Queiroz to make changes, though he will be absent from the sidelines after being sent off during the semi-final tie.
Speaking ahead of the final, Egypt captain Salah, who has never won the title, stated.
Despite winning the English Premier League title with Chelsea and Liverpool, as well as the UEFA Champions League with the Reds, Salah said the AFCON trophy would take a special place.
“This trophy would be completely different for me.” It’d be the one closest to my heart.”
AFCON 2021: Liverpool Coach Issues Warning to Salah, Mane Ahead of Final
