Liverpool stars Salah and Mane battle for continental supremacy in Afcon final

Sunday’s final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon will likely be a showdown between Liverpool stars Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane.

That’s not to say that the rest of the Pharaohs and the Lions of Teranga will stand back and watch, but there can hardly be any doubt that the world’s attention will be on the pair of superstars battling to take home a piece of football glory.

Egypt will be looking to win the Afcon title for a record eighth time. Senegal have never won the continent’s marquee tournament and will be eager to put that right.

Adding to the drama, there has been much media speculation over the years about relations between Salah and Mane — with reports of an intense rivalry.

The Egyptian, however, has been the more prolific scorer for the Reds since he arrived in Liverpool from Roma more than four years ago.

A win for Egypt — particularly with Salah getting on the scoresheet — could go a long way to enshrine the Egyptian's standing as the superior striker.

And if that’s not enough to make Sunday’s final a thrilling affair, the two sides are scheduled to meet again in a World Cup home-and-away play-off next month that will decide which travels to Qatar for the World Cup finals later this year.

If history is anything to go by, then the Egyptians are favourites to win the Afcon title. The Pharaohs have won six of their 12 clashes, with Senegal victorious in four.

The Pharaohs have had a tough route to the final, and fatigue could be a significant factor in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium.

Senegal's forward Sadio Mane during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against Burkina Faso. AFP

However, Egypt, who last won the cup 12 years ago, have shown grit and personality as they fought their way