Sadio Mane revealed that he told Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah that it's a pleasure to play alongside him, after Egypt lost to Senegal in the African Cup of Nations final.
The Pharaohs lost 4-2 on penalties in Sunday’s showpiece to hand Senegal their maiden title in the competition.
The subplot surrounding the final centred on the two Reds forwards, who almost seemed destined to meet at the Olembe Stadium for the tournament’s conclusion.
Mane was the hero for Senegal, scoring the winning penalty for his country after the contest finished goalless after 120 minutes.
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The 29-year-old had missed the best chance of the game when his seventh-minute spot kick was saved, and showed his mental strength to fire past Pharaohs goalkeeper Mohamed Abou Gabal second time around.
Moments after the shoot-out ended, Mane went over to console Salah and assured his teammate he would have opportunities to win the tournament in the future.
“I told him that he remains a very great player and it’s a pleasure to play for the same club,” Mane said to beIN SPORTS via Metro .
“I have so much respect for him and he gave everything for his country.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t win, but that doesn’t mean it’s over for him.
“I also told him that he still has many things to win, including the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. They have a young team so maybe they will win it one day.”
Mane also paid tribute to his teammates for lifting his spirits after his first half spot kick was saved.
He added: “When I missed the first penalty, it was a big blow for me, but my team-mates came to me and said, ‘Sadio, we lose together and we win together. We know you. You have done too much for us – keep on going’.
“That made me stronger and I think it made the difference when I got the second one.
“All the boys came to me and said, ‘Sadio, we trust you’, and that gave me more motivation.
“The trophy belongs to the whole Senegal team – everyone deserves it.”
