Senegal fans resorted to dirty tactics in a bid to give their country the upper hand during the crunch World Cup play-off clash versus Egypt on Tuesday - by targeting opposing players with a shower of laser beams.
Mohamed Salah was just one of the Egyptian stars on the receiving end of the harassment as a host of green lasers were pointed in his face at various points throughout the fixture. Goalkeeper Mohammed El Shenawy was also a prime target for Senegal fans, who furiously shone their lasers when he was faced with a free-kick or for each penalty in the crucial shootout.
Hamdi Fathi's own goal after just four minutes put Senegal in front on the night and levelled the score on aggregate after Egypt had taken a one-goal lead into the second leg at the Stade Me Abdoulaye Wade in Diamniadio. The score stayed that way until after extra time, with the sides then forced into another shootout just months after experiencing the same scenario in the Africa Cup of Nations final.
Again it was Senegal who emerged the victors, after a nerve-wracking finale which started off with four missed spot kicks in a row. Even Salah could not tuck his effort away having been moved up Egypt's order after missing out on the opportunity to take one at AFCON, this time blazing his shot over after a host of lasers were shone in his direction in a bid to distract him. It clearly worked a treat.
Mane was Senegal's hero in Cameroon less than two months ago by striking the spot kick which gave his country their first ever continental triumph. Once again, he was on hand to net the winning penalty against Egypt and ensure he and his compatriots will travel to Qatar this winter.
Senegal were worthy victors of the second leg after dominating proceedings but the occasion was marred somewhat by the hostile atmosphere and lasers which targeted the Pharaohs. El Shenawy faced intense abuse from the stands throughout the match and was targeted with water bottles and other missiles thrown in his direction, many of which struck him.
