A month of football has lead to this, Senegal take on Egypt this Sunday in the final of the African Cup of Nations after Mohamed Salah’s side defeated Cameroon on penalties.
What better way is there to look ahead to Sunday’s final between Liverpool and Africa’s two stars than to simulate the match over on matchsimulator.com, here’s what they predict.
First-half
Senegal started the better of the two sides with plenty of early efforts on goal, but they were dealt with well by Mohamed Abou Gabal in Egypt’s net to keep the game level at 0-0.
Just after the quarter of an hour mark the deadlock was broken, thanks to Aston Villa winger Trezeguet who powered an effort past Chelsea keeper Edouard Mendy and set Egypt on the path to their eighth AFCON crown.
But less than ten minutes later things were back level after Bordeaux striker M’Baye Niang latched onto Sadio Mane’s cross to beat Mendy with a powerful header and that triggered an onslaught from the Lions of Teranga.
Despite the pressure growing throughout the rest of the first-half, Senegal couldn’t find a second to retake the lead with the only action being a yellow card for Egypt forward Omar Marmoush.
Half-time: Senegal 1 : 1 Egypt
Keep up to date with the latest sports news on our live blog
Second-half
Senegal continued to dominate the ball early in the second-half, with over 70% of possession they attempted to break down the Egyptian’s low block that had served them so well throughout the tournament.
Moments later Mane continued his role as provider, his floated corner was attacked by Schalke defender Salif Sane who rose the highest of the pack to nod into the Egypt net and give Senegal the lead for the first time in the final.
Egypt attempted to battle their way back into the game forcing to the ball to Salah, but the Liverpool forward wasn’t at his best and struggled to keep his shots on target throughout the game.
As men were committed forwards, Senegal managed to break away and should’ve scored at least one more of their second-half chances, but their one goal lead was enough to take home their maiden AFCON title.
Full-time: Senegal 2 : 1 Egypt
Man of the match – Sadio Mane: In what was the battle of the Liverpool wingers, Mane very much came out on top. Two incredible assists while remaining a constant threat throughout the game. I’m sure fans on Merseyside cannot wait to have both him and Salah back in their ranks.
We’ll have to wait and see how accurate matchsimulator.com is when the final gets underway, kick-off is at 19:00 GMT on Sunday, February 6.
