Senegal brings 'anti-Salah weapon' - 'Laser Fan' is back to haunt Mo & Co.
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 14.01.26. | 17:41
The man who distracted the Liverpool forward during the penalty shoot-out against Lions of Teranga four years ago got a free trip to Morocco to be Senegal's lucky charm once again
Many would disagree with the phrase that says "the end justifies the means." However, sometimes the stakes are so high that they require drastic and desperate measures. At that point, the win is everything that matters, and one is ready to do whatever it takes to accomplish the goal.
Four years ago, Senegal and Egypt faced each other in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers' playoffs. Saliou Ciss's own goal brought the victory to the Pharaohs in the first leg in Cairo, while Boulaye Dia's decisive goal annulled Egypt's edge four days later in the return leg in Diamniadio.
Extra time didn't bring the traveller to Russia, and the penalty shoot-out was to determine the winner.
In the penalty roulette, the Lions of Teranga were calmer, scoring three times, while the visitors wasted as many shots, finding the net only once.
Senegal thus booked their WC ticket, but none of the players was the national hero. No, it was a supporter - the popular "Laser Fan".
Reminder: Egypt didn’t go to the World Cup because Salah missed his penalty
— popboy💤 (@popularloser04) March 8, 2025
pic.twitter.com/es6FHGmdA4 https://t.co/cOsqcAT93C
The supporter whose name - Mouhamed Saliou Ndiaye - was later revealed, was caught on camera shining a laser at Mohamed Salah and the rest of the Egyptian shooters. His "dark arts" worked, and he was pronounced the team's lucky charm.
Tonight, four years later, the stage is set for another duel between the Lions of Teranga and the Pharaohs, this time in Tangier, Morocco, in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals (20.00), and Senegal didn't want to risk anything by going into the game without their talisman, Ndiaye.
🚨😂 BREAKING: Senegal Airlines is on the HUNT for the Legendary "Laser Fan" from the Egypt World Cup Qualifier! 🇸🇳🇪🇬💀
— Topskills Sports UK (@topskillsportuk) January 13, 2026
The company announces they'll cover the fan's FULL trip + accommodation to Morocco for the AFCON semifinal against Egypt if they find him! ✈️🏆
Rewarding the… pic.twitter.com/NK9N5BJhaf
Hence, their national airline, Air Senegal, announced a search for the "Laser Fan", willing to send him to Morocco for free, covering his trip and accommodation. Of course, thanks to social media, he was shortly found and has already arrived in Tangier, ready to do what he does best - haunt Salah and the Egyptians!
So, instead of focusing on two Ndiayes (Iliman and Cherif) in Pape Thiaw's squad, the Pharaohs will have to pay attention to another man with this last name, whom they remember very well.
"Laser Fan" vs Salah and Co. Chapter 2. Stade Ibn Batouta, Tangier, Morocco. Tonight at 8 pm. It's on!
AFCON 2025 - 1/2 FINALS
Wednesday
20.00: (2.15) Senegal (3.20) Egypt (3.70)
23.00: (3.25) Nigeria (3.25) Morocco (2.30)
***odds are subject to change***
