The Athletic FC Podcast How Mane ended Salah's AFCON dream again
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Jan 15, 2026 Join football journalist Jay Harris, known for his insightful coverage of African football, and seasoned writer Simon Hughes as they dive into the AFCON 2025 final. They explore the fierce rivalry between Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah, dissect Senegal’s tactical prowess, and evaluate Egypt’s struggles. With discussions on youth investment in Morocco and Senegal, coaching decisions, and the implications for African teams in the World Cup, this is a must-listen for football fans eager to understand the tournament's dynamics!
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How The Mané–Salah Rivalry Began
- Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah's rivalry grew from direct competition at Liverpool and positional shifts after Salah arrived.
- Moments like the Burnley incident and last night's chase show the rivalry still sparks heated on-field confrontations.
Senegal's Consistency And Suspension Risk
- Senegal have been consistently strong due to a settled generation and tournament experience since their 2021 AFCON win.
- Missing key players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra through suspension could materially weaken them in the final.
Salah's Club Success vs National Legacy
- Mohamed Salah is widely viewed as Egypt's greatest player but AFCON success shapes national legacy differently than club trophies.
- Simon Hughes compares Salah's situation to Messi pre-Copa America: individual greatness can be judged differently without a major national title.