Sadio Mane inspires Senegal to AFCON final - when can Liverpool expect him back?

Sadio Mane capped a dazzling display with the match-clinching goal as Senegal booked their place in the AFCON final with a 3-1 win over Burkino Faso on Wednesday night.

Abdou Diallo opened the scoring for the Lions of Teranga and Mane set up Idrissa Gueye to put Senegal in control before Blati Toure struck back to make it 2-1.

But Liverpool forward Mane stepped up in the 87th minute to settle the nerves of the tournament favourites with a coolly-taken chipped finish.

Despite being one of the strong football countries in Africa, Senegal have never won the AFCON and time is running out for Mane and his golden generation.

They came close to winning it last time out but lost narrowly to Algeria in Egypt, but they have kept the core of that team from two seasons ago and are looking for a chance at glory in Cameroon.

Mane could meet Liverpool team-mate Mohamed Salah in the final if Egypt can overcome the tournament hosts on Thursday night.

When Mane is finally expected back in Liverpool

The final of the AFCON is on Sunday, February 6, so all countries who have made it to the semi-final will not leave for their clubs until the final ball is kicked in Cameroon.

For Sadio, if Senegal win the tournament he is likely to travel with the entire Senegal team back home to Dakar to present the trophy to his president.

The earliest he can be back at Liverpool is around February 10 and even that is only possible if Jurgen Klopp decides against giving him time off after four weeks of being away.

He will obviously miss the FA Cup game with Cardiff City his weekend and likely the Premier League clash with Leicester City on February 10.

He could be ready for the trip to Burnley on February 13.

Sadio Mane’s AFCON so far

The powerful forward is carrying the hopes of all the people in Senegal and has been decent in the tournament so far.

He has bagged three goals and two assists but this doesn’t tell the whole story as he has been a real driving force in the last three games, running and tackling to get the ball back at every opportunity.

His assist in the final encapsulated this, when he chased down an apparent lost ball, dispossessed a defender and set up Idrissa Gueye.

Most of the Senegalese fans here in Yaounde are still hoping that he will provide the moment of inspiration that will be needed to get them over the line when it comes to the final.