Sadio Mane makes AFCON claim

Sadio Mane says he would swap his Champions League win with Liverpool if it meant helping Senegal triumph at the Africa Cup of Nations. The 27-year-old has played a starring role in guiding Senegal through to a first AFCON final since 2002 and they will face Algeria in the showpiece match in Cairo on Friday.

Mane has already won one trophy this season after helping Liverpool to a sixth Champions League crown, but he has now revealed that he would swap that success if it meant helping Senegal become African champions for the very first time.

“For sure, I would be ready (to swap), even today,” Mane told the BBC. “We know it won’t be easy but it’s normal, it’s part of football. Algeria is a great team and now I’m just looking forward to playing in the final and to win it.”

The two finalists have already met at this year’s tournament, with Algeria claiming a 1-0 victory during the group stage, while Senegal’s cause has not been helped this time around, as they will be without the suspended Kalidou Koulibaly.

Head coach Aliou Cisse knows the Lions of Teranga are going to be in for a tough game, but he is confident they have what it takes to seal an historic win. “This game is going to be tough but we want to make our people happy,” Cisse told reporters.

“We always play to win. Senegal always had great talents, but I think this generation is the best.” Senegal are priced at 1.73 to lift the trophy on Friday, while Algeria are available at 2.05 to seal what would be just their second AFCON success.