The AFCON final is one for the Scousers as Senegal take on Egypt. Cameroon took Egypt to PKs, but could only convert once at the end. But it was a helluva run for the home side. They well outplayed expectations.
Egypt is playing some of its best football in a while. The squad is getting great supporting performances around Salah and staying organized defensively. For so long, opponents have over-played Salah and less disciplined Egyptian teammates have rushed up field to take advantage of space, which left them open to the counter time and again. They seem to have really sorted that this month. They are a tough side to break down and, of course, Salah is capable of magic on his own.
Senegal is hands down the best and most talented squad on the continent. They will be disappointed not to win on Sunday. Cisse has given the side a clear, if bespoke philosophy and style of play, but they do sometimes struggle to break through against packed defenses. Mane is the main creative force - he tends to play a little deeper and more centrally than with Liverpool - but he hasn’t found a running mate up top that can consistently finish the chances he creates. Mane has netted 3 times and assisted twice, while Ahamadou Deing has scored twice (1 start & 3 sub appearances). 3 others have a goal each.
I expect this to be a cagey match. Egypt will leave Salah up high, play a low block, and look to run on the counter. Senegal will feel the weight of expectations and probably start cautiously, trying a few things to create some space for Mane to operate. My money is on a late Senegal goal giving them a 1-0 win and a huge confidence boost heading towards Qatar.
