Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal prepare to unleash Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane

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  • Senegal head coach Aliou Cisse has warned his players they have done nothing yet as they prepare to welcome back Sadio Mane for their Africa Cup of Nations showdown with Algeria.

    The Liverpool front man sat out the opening 2-0 Group C win over Tanzania through suspension, but could return for Thursday’s clash with Les Fennecs in Cairo.

    Algeria also won first time out – they beat Kenya 2-0 – and victory for either side would leave them in pole position to top the group, although Cisse is keeping his feet firmly on the ground ahead of a clash with familiar foe Djamel Belmadi’s men.

    He said at his pre-match press conference: “We want to make our people and country proud. Our team is full of quality, but we haven’t qualified yet.

    “Belmadi is a top-class tactician, but we have our style of play and philosophy too.”

    Belmadi knows exactly what is at stake for his team, but insisted the game will not prove decisive whatever happens.

    He said: “Everyone is waiting for Senegal v Algeria because it’s a game between two top teams with top players. I know Cisse well and he knows me – we’re from the same generation.

    “It’s an important game, but it’s not crucial. We want to win it.”

    Copy provided by Press Association Sport

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