(Reuters) – Africa’s four prime gamers failed to make a mark on the Africa Cup of Nations finals however the begin of the knockout rounds on Sunday presents an opportunity not less than for Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah to ship on their residence continent.
The Liverpool duo are half of a quartet who’ve completed within the prime three for the previous four African Footballer of the Year awards, establishing themselves because the continent’s finest and who had been the primary points of interest on the finals in Cameroon.
The different gamers are Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, despatched again to London for well being causes, and Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, the captain of holders Algeria who crashed out in a dramatic fall from grace.
Senegal’s Mane and Egypt skipper Salah scored within the group stage as their nations superior, however their very own type has been underwhelming, disappointing followers who’ve come to watch them.
Mane netted with a penalty in stoppage time on the finish of their opening Group B recreation for a disputed win over Zimbabwe and has performed two extra full matches however with none impression.
Admittedly, Senegal have been finest by COVID-19 issues and solely had goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, who received a FIFA award on Monday, and captain Kalidou Koulibaly again for his or her final group recreation towards Malawi.
But towards the Cape Verde Islands within the final 16 on Tuesday, Mane has the chance to ship on expectations in a doubtlessly one-sided encounter.
DESPERATE SALAH
Salah will want to step up his efficiency if Egypt are to have any likelihood on Wednesday towards the Ivory Coast in Douala.
The marquee match of the second spherical is a troublesome encounter for Egypt, who’ve appeared lacklustre with Salah offering little impression.
The Egyptian made it clear final week that he was determined for Cup of Nations success. “I didn’t win any major tournament in my 10-year career with Egypt and I hope to do that this time,” he stated.
Aubameyang’s Gabon are additionally taking part in within the final 16 on Sunday towards Burkina Faso however with out him. He examined COVID-19 optimistic on arrival in Cameroon after which confirmed indicators of cardiac lesions earlier than being launched again to Arsenal for extra checks.
Mahrez went residence with Algeria after they completed backside in Group E, having suffered an embarrassing loss to tiny Equatorial Guinea.
“We were not at the right level. I assume and take all the responsibility. It’s part of football. We win, we lose. We gave everything. We can’t do anything more. Hopefully, we will come back stronger,” he stated.
(Reporting by Mark Gleeson; Editing by Ken Ferris)
