Sadio Mane pays heartfelt tribute to Mohamed Salah

Sadio Mane paid a heartfelt tribute to Mohamed Salah, hailing his former Liverpool teammate as "one of the best players in the world" following Senegal’s 1-0 victory over Egypt in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mane thrashed home a dramatic winner 12 minutes from full-time to send Senegal into the final of the AFCON on Wednesday.

It was as much as Senegal deserved after they dominated the match, with Egypt not having any shots at goal or even forcing a corner before they conceded.

Senegal found it tough, however, to break down a resolute Egypt defence, and it was only a fortuitous deflection that set up Mane’s chance.

Yet his shot from the edge of the area was worthy of winning any match and sent Senegal through.

Senegal will face Morocco in the final of the Cup of Nations on Sunday after they beat Nigeria on penalties in the second semi-final.

Mane, who was a teammate of Mohamed Salah at Liverpool under Jurgen Klopp for six years, praised Egypt and the latter after the clash.

"I pay tribute to Egypt of course and as I always said, Egypt is for me the best ever team in Africa," Mané told a post-match news conference.

"Today they showed it again. Wow. What a team. It was not easy for us and we expect that because it's Africa Cup and we're travelling but we keep patient ... facing these great players, especially Mo Salah, one of the best players in the world.

"Of course he always gives his best for the team, unfortunate for him today as well. I just want to say this is part of football."

Sadio Mane moved to Bayern Munich in 2022 from Liverpool after winning the Premier League, Champions League and Carabao Cup with the club.