AFCON day 18: Liverpool duo shine and prove class as Halilhodzic stumble with the Atlas Lions

The last two AFCON 2021 quarter-finals fixtures brought us a lot of excitement as Senegal lived up to expectations against a die-hard Equatorial Guinea. Unlike them, Morocco failed to prove those odds that considered them a slight favourites in a skirmish with the Northern African neighbours Egypt.

Heroes of the day - Salah & Mane

It's a no-brainer that the deadly Liverpool attacking duo is probably the best the African football has to offer in terms of individual qualities. Sadio and Mo were expected to deliver a high-class at the AFCON, and they did it on Sunday marvellously. The Pharaoh's leader first tied the game at one, and Salah's splendid run on the right flank and that inch-perfect cross gave Trezeguet a perfect chance to score.

AFCON 2021: Super-sub Kouyate and unplayable Mane save the Lions of Teranga

AFCON 2021: Egypt see off Morocco to book semi berth

His Liverpool teammate did almost the same, only on the left flank for Senegal's third. Previously, he added one more assist for the game's opener.

Salah and Mane are such gems!

Losers of the day - Halilhodzic & Hakimi

Faced with none other than Egypt in the 1/4 finals, Morocco had anything but an easy task to reach the semis. However, especially after that early lead, it's a disappointing outcome for them, with Salah and co. coming from behind to tarnish the rivals' dreams. Their coach and the teams most prominent player are the ones that will take full responsibility for the failure. Halilhodzic's third AFCON elimination (previously with Ivory Coast and Algeria) probably hurts the most.

Goal of the day - Jannick Buyla

In truth, this fine piece of football skills maybe isn't the best we've seen today, but Equatorial Guinea deserve at least some accolade for their charming AFCON performance.

This was the goal that brought the game into a stalemate and was excellent straight from the start to the very execution.