dailystar.co.uk
07.02.2022 / 01:51
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Sadio Mane gives heartfelt hug to tearful Mo Salah after netting winning AFCON penalty
Africa Cup of Nations crown, at the expense of a heartbroken Egyptian side.The stage was set for a blockbuster AFCON final, with Liverpool's two biggest stars facing off for African bragging rights, and it was always going to end in tears for one of them.Unfortunately for Mohamed Salah, it was his turn to suffer disappointment despite a spirited performance, and the Egypt captain didn't even get to take a penalty as his side crashed out at the final hurdle.However, the two Liverpool team-mates shared a heartfelt embrace at the end of the match, as Mane went over to comfort a distraught Salah.It was a second final defeat for Salah who had to settle for a runners-up medal back in 2017, but Mane's winning penalty earned Senegal their first ever success in the tournament.Once the initial celebrations had died down, Mane immediately went over to his Liverpool team-mate to console the tearful winger, in a touching gesture the highlights the bond between the pair.It was certainly a moment that Jurgen Klopp and all Liverpool fans will be delighted to see, as there has been some speculation about tensions between the pair at times, after an infamous moment during a Premier League clash against Burnley.Extra-time and penalties has been the story of this year's AFCON, but it looked like that wouldn't be the case in the final, as Senegal were awarded a penalty after just three minutes.However, with some help from Salah who was seen advising Egypt goalkeeper Gabaski, Mane's spot-kick was saved in dramatic fashion.The game ended goalless, and Egypt headed for their third penalty shootout of the tournament, although when it mattered most, they couldn't come up with the goods.Mane made up for his earlier miss with the winning strike, as