Senegal head coach Pape Thiaw has praised Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah as two of world football’s finest players ahead of his side’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash with Egypt.

The highly anticipated encounter will see two continental heavyweights face off at the 2025 AFCON, with much of the spotlight once again falling on Mané and Salah, players who have defined this rivalry over the past decade.

Speaking ahead of the match, Thiaw underlined the importance of both men to their respective teams, describing them not only as match-winners but as leaders who set the tone on and off the pitch.

“Sadio Mané and Mohamed Salah are two world-class players,” Thiaw said. “They continue to deliver extraordinary performances.”

The Senegal coach was particularly effusive in his praise of Mané, who remains a central figure in the Teranga Lions setup.

“Sadio is a key part of our team, our technical leader, and an example for the entire group,” he added. “Just as Salah is for Egypt.”

Thiaw’s comments reflect the mutual respect between the two camps ahead of a semi-final that carries echoes of recent classic encounters, including the 2022 AFCON final and decisive World Cup qualifying matches.

While much of the attention will focus on the star forwards, Thiaw was keen to stress that the semi-final will ultimately be decided by collective effort rather than individual brilliance alone.

“We wish them both to continue on this path,” he said, striking a tone of admiration rather than rivalry.

Senegal and Egypt meet with a place in the AFCON final at stake, as two of Africa’s most successful nations renew their battle on the continent’s biggest stage.