Senegal stamped their place in the final of the Africa Cup Of Nations on Wednesday with a 1-0 win over Egypt, but Habib Diarra will not be able to represent his country when he is needed most on Sunday
Senegal pose for a photograph
Habib Diarra will miss the final of AFCON(Image: ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT, AFP via Getty Images)
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Habib Diarra will miss the final of the Africa Cup Of Nations on Sunday, despite Senegal stamping their place with a 1-0 win over Egypt.
Sadio Mane scored the winning goal of Wednesday evening's encounter at Tangier Grand Stadium, finding the back of the net with around 12 minutes left on the clock. As a result, Senegal will now face either Nigeria or Morocco on Sunday for all the marbles.
However, unfortunately for Sunderland star Diarra, he will have no part in the encounter as a result of being booked. Mohamed Salah incited a scuffle between the two teams following a foul on former Liverpool team-mate Mane at the end of the first-half.
Salah was penalised for tripping the forward, as he attempted to counter-attack near the dugouts, sparking a confrontation in which Egyptian and Senegalese players were needed to be separated. While Salah and Mane looked to calm the situation, Diarra received a booking for his involvement in the incident.
As a result, he will miss Sunday's final in heart-breaking fashion. Diarra has been a key part of Senegal's endeavours at the tournament, making a mark in three matches in total for his nation.
However, his national will have to do battle on Sunday without him. At club level, the 22-year-old has become a fan favourite with Sunderland, having secured a £30million move from Strasbourg in the summer.
Despite making just five appearances for the Black Cats in the league thus far as a result of injury coupled with international duties, Diarra has been a rock in the centre of the park when available for selection, frequently complimenting Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki.
Sadio Mane is challenged by Mohamed Salah
Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah were caught in a tangle(Image: )
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However, having been out of the picture for some time now, he may be tasked with fighting for his place in Regis Le Bris' starting XI upon his return to the Stadium of Light.
A trio of Xhaka, Lutsharel Geertruida and and Enzo Le Fee has proven incredibly fruitful as of recent, securing draws with Leeds United, Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Elsewhere, Sunderland fans will be keeping a keen eye on Wednesday evening's mirroring semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco. While Chemsdine Talbi has seen his minutes limited as a result of stiff competition within the hosting country, the winger will still be eyeing up a winner's medal for his part.
Regardless of whether Morocco qualify for the final of AFCON, Talbi - as well as Diarra - will miss Sunderland's clash with Crystal Palace this weekend. The Black Cats play host to the Eagles on Saturday, January 17, as they hope to break into the top six of the Premier League standings once more.
With Senegal booking their place in Sunday's final of AFCON, Diarra is expected to stay with his national team until the end of the tournament - despite being ruled out of playing. Even if Morocco fail to meet Senegal in the final, they will still compete this weekend, meaning that Talbi will be away for one more match.
That's because a third-place play-off between Egypt and the loser of Wednesday evening's match will take place on Saturday.
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