Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye jokes he will kill Liverpool striker Sadio Mane if Senegal don’t win the Africa Cup of Nations – because his Mersey rival won’t track back!
Gueye is good friend to Mane, whose second goal of the tournament ensured a 2-0 victory over Zimbabwe last night and guaranteed qualification for the knockout stages.
But the Senegalese stars weren’t entirely happy.
“We know how good they are,” said Gueye about Mane and Lazio winger Balde Keita, who were the best players on the pitch.
“But sometimes it’s difficult because they don’t defend.
“If they score and we win the game, it’s not a problem, but if we lose, we will kill them!”
Both men are set for extended stays in Gabon after goals from Mane and Newcastle’s Henri Saivet secured progress to the next round of the winter tournament.
Senegal top Group B with two wins from two and have one more group game against Algeria on Monday, where a draw will secure them the top spot.
Senegal will face the runners up of Group A, which could be anyone from three teams: Burkina Faso, Gabon and Guinea Bissau.
When is Gueye and Mane making their Premier League return?
With the Senegalese side one of the favourites to win the tournament, it’s likely that Gueye will not finish up his national duty until the first week of February.
Gueye will definitely miss Premier League games against Stoke City and Bournemouth. If the midfielder is allowed a week or two for recovery, he could also miss the away trip to Middlesbrough.
Mane will miss Premier League games against Chelsea and Hull City while also missing a FA Cup fourth round tie against Wolverhampton Wanderers. He will also miss the second leg of the EFL Cup semi-final against his former club Southampton.
It’s likely that Mane will not finish up his national duty until the beginning of February.
Source: Liverpool Echo
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