Everton will have two representatives in the AFCON final this weekend in the form of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye with Senegal.
Last night’s semi-final between Senegal and Egypt in Tangier was decided by just one goal in the end, with Sadio Mane on target for the Teranga Lions.
For Egypt their wait for a first title since 2010 goes on.
And for Senegal, Sunday will be a chance for the nation to win a second title.
Here’s what the national media made of the Everton duo in last night’s game.
What media in Senegal made of Ndiaye and Gueye vs Egypt
Ndiaye and Gueye were never going to be available for Everton for this weekend’s game with Aston Villa.
Even if Senegal had lost to Egypt, they both would have had to play in the third-place play-off match, which takes place on Saturday.
But Evertonians will now get the chance to watch Ndiaye and Gueye in a national tournament final, which will take place straight after Everton’s game with Villa.
Hopefully, the mood will be buoyant ahead of the contest.
It’s been a great tournament regardless for Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye – and both players impressed in the semi-final against Egypt.
Senegalese outlet Seneweb said of Gueye: “Present in midfield, Gana Guèye delivered another strong match. Aggressive and valuable in midfield, the record holder of caps dictated the tempo by winning several duels and ensuring the balance of the team.”
About Ndiaye, they added: “Very active on the attacking front, Iliman Ndiaye was a constant danger for the Egyptian defence. Combining well with Krépin Diatta, he was valuable in managing the ball. However, the Everton striker failed to be decisive.”
Enquete+ said of Ndiaye: “Having become the technical leader of the team, Iliman Ndiaye was not satisfied with playing a decent match. The Everton player contributed to the attacking festival by displaying all his talent and class.”
Senegal were fully worth their place in the final, with Egypt failing to turn up and only having just one shot on target the whole game.
Ndiaye and Gueye returns will be huge for Everton
So Everton’s duo are one game away from returning to Finch Farm as champions of Africa, which would be a brilliant thing.
Of course, Gueye has won AFCON before with Senegal in 2021, but for Ndiaye it would be a first title.
What concerns do you have about Iliman Ndiaye leaving Everton in the summer?😫
Surely Everton must hand him a new contract!
But regardless of what happens on Sunday, it will be a huge boost for Everton to have both of these players back in the squad.
Ndiaye’s creativity has been badly missed lately, as has Gueye’s industry, and David Moyes will be delighted to have them both available for the game with Leeds United.
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