14:00 ET Canada-USA | 21:00 CLT
Venue: Stade Olembe | 2021 AFCON FINAL
Egypt will be hoping to cap a superb run this year with an eighth African title, having brushed aside several of the continent’s heavyweights en route to a 10th appearance in the final.
The Africa Cup of Nations final tonight is the match that many observers had wished to see and that Jurgen Klopp had perhaps hoped to avoid.
Senegal, runners-up to Algeria two years ago, have the chance to get their hands on the trophy for the first time at Olembe Stadium. Standing in their way are Egypt, seeking a record-extending eighth African title and their first since 2010.
It will also be the much-anticipated meeting of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah, the Liverpool stars looking to cement their status as the finest players from the continent.
Reds manager Klopp could be forgiven for wishing both teams had been knocked out sooner so he could have Mane and Salah back on Merseyside, but he described it as a “great achievement” to see both players competing for the trophy, you too can make great achievements and win big check out wolfwinner online casino they have many games loads of cash to be won.
Egypt defeated Cote d’Ivoire on penalties following a 0-0 draw in the round of 16, came from behind to earn a 2-1 win over Morocco after extra time in the quarters before overcoming hosts Cameroon in another shootout following a goalless draw in the semis.
The solid defensive foundations laid by canny Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz give Egypt every reason to believe that they can claim the scalp of another top gun.
However, Senegal are expected to provide a stiff test, with Sadio Mane coming up against Liverpool teammate Salah in another intriguing duel.
Both men had played key roles in propelling their respective sides to the final, with Mane scoring three goals and providing two assists and Salah netting twice and creating a goal.
“Facing Senegal and Mane would be difficult. After the game against Morocco, I saw Mane and both of us hoped we would meet in the final. Now, each one of us is ready to help his side to victory,” Salah told the pre-match news conference.
Senegal are also looking to make up for a bitter final loss to Algeria in the 2019 edition in Egypt as they yearn for a maiden Nations Cup triumph.
Egypt and Senegal will also meet in a crucial two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff next month for a place in the Qatar finals.
