On That Pitch in Olembe Stadium

Mane and Salah lock horns in AFCON Grand Finale.

It has been a tournament worthy of its name, parading some of Africa's finest and showcasing the physical abilities and technical awareness of African footballers in the grandest of styles. But for everything that has a beginning, there is an end. On Sunday at the Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé Cameroon, two of Africa's best teams will slog it out, with only one going home with the coveted trophy.

The two teams did not have it easy in the tournament, it was a humble beginning for both though the Senegalese had a much more comfortable landing than the Egyptians. They play a not so beautiful football, a bit disorganised in the middle of the pack but deadly in front of goal. That must have been one of the secrets that has brought them this far. 

The Sadio Mane inspired team is resilient and determined but have a similar problem with the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. They have not encountered a world class opponent in this current African Cup of Nations tournament. Their toughest opposition so far still remains Burkina Faso which is a very organised team with determined players who have the desire to make history, but they are not up there in terms of outstanding talents and high technical ability like is found in the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Morocco, The Ivory Coast or Cameroon. 

These teams may not have made it as far as the Burkinabe in the tournament, but they possess qualities that makes any team they encounter see loop holes to work on in the next game. This is an opportunity the Lions of Teranga did not have a chance to experience and which might turn out very costly when they play a team like the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Teranga Lions of Senegal

The Egyptian side will come into the game with a lot of experiences, having played some of the best teams in the tournament and losing only to Nigeria. 

The confidence, the will and the experience which is evident in the rest of their matches after the defeat to Nigeria could be an advantage on Sunday and also could be an Achilles heel depending on which one they want it to be. 

The Mohammed Salah led Egyptian side also didnt play entertaining football, they did not showcase good techniques throughout their matches in the current AFCON, something unusual of a North African team that is known for their fast paced entertaining football with great wingers that cause havoc with their runs through the wings. But what matters is to win which they have done comfortably so far and definitely will desire to continue on Sunday at Olembe Stadium. 

The Pharaohs just like against Cameroon has history on their side, having won six of their twelve encounters with Senegal, drew two and lost four. But history do not make itself, people make it. Victory on Sunday will depend on the team that comes to Olembe with their shooting boots. 

The Pharaohs of Egypt

Its a game that will pitch two team mates, Mane and Salah against each other with only one of them taking a bragging right back to Anfield. 

Its definitely going to be a tough encounter. Maybe not entertaining because of the style of play both teams have displayed so far in the tournament but there is definitely going to be a lot of fireworks on that pitch on Sunday. Fingers crossed.