The semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations took place on Wednesday and Thursday as the final four battled to make it to the last hurdle.
Hosts Cameroon were joined by tournament heavyweights Senegal and Egypt as well as surprise package Burkina Faso in fighting for a place in Sunday’s final.
Sadio Mane and Senegal faced Burkina Faso on Wednesday, while Mohamed Salah ’s Egypt lined up against Cameroon on Thursday.
The two winners advanced to the final, while the two losers will compete in a third-place play-off on the same day.
Here is a full round-up of how each Premier League player got on in the semi-finals of AFCON 2021, as a place in the final was up for grabs.
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Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny was booked and managed 86 minutes of Egypt’s 0-0 draw with Cameroon on Wednesday, before the Pharaohs won 3-1 on penalties to advance to the AFCON final on Sunday.
Aston Villa
Trezeguet helped Egypt into the final after coming on as a half-time substitute in their 0-0 draw against hosts Cameroon, with his side winning the penalty shootout 3-1 to make it to Sunday’s final.
Bertrand Traore and Burkina Faso will have to settle for a third-place play-off match on Sunday after they lost 3-1 to Senegal on Wednesday, with the forward playing the full 90 minutes of the tie.
Chelsea
Edouard Mendy will compete in the final with Senegal after helping to fight off a late rally from Burkina Faso to win 3-1 on Wednesday.
Crystal Palace
Cheikhou Kouyate managed 65 minutes of Senegal’s 3-1 victory against Burkina Faso on Wednesday as the Lions of Terranga made it to Sunday’s final against Egypt.
Leicester City
Nampalys Mendy played the full 90 minutes on Wednesday before being substituted in additional time for Senegal as they defeated Burkina Faso 3-1 to take a step closer to lifting the AFCON trophy on Sunday.
Liverpool
Mohamed Salah is through to the AFCON final with Egypt following their 3-1 penalty shoot-out victory over Cameroon on Wednesday, with the forward playing the full 90 minutes and extra time in which the game ended 0-0.
Sadio Mane will play Salah in Sunday’s final after Senegal beat Burkina Faso 3-1, in which he played a huge part by setting up the second goal before scoring the third himself, as he managed the full 90 minutes.
Watford
Ismaila Sarr came on as a 65th minute substitute and grabbed an assist for Senegal’s third goal as they beat Burkina Faso 3-1 on Wednesday to advance to Sunday’s final against Egypt.
