Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah and Senegalese striker Sadio Mane, both aged 29, are representing their respective countries in AFCON 23 in Cote d’Ivoire.
Anticipation surrounds the duo as they aim to make a significant impact on the competition, showcasing their prowess with distinctive new football footwear.
Salah, in partnership with Adidas, will sport a striking gold and red boot specially crafted for him. The left boot features the initials ‘MO,’ while the right displays a crown emblem.
On the other hand, Mane, tied to a deal with New Balance, will exhibit a customized fiery orange and blue shoe during the Cup of Nations. The laces bear the inscription: “The Lion Roars: Sadio Mane,” a nod to Senegal’s moniker, “The Lions of Teranga.”
Illustrations of Mane celebrating adorn the sole of his shoe, accompanied by the caption “The Lion Roars.” The heel of the footwear features a lion emblem in reference to the Senegalese national team. 
Senegal kicks off its Cup of Nations campaign against Zimbabwe on Monday, while Egypt begins its tournament journey against Nigeria on Tuesday.
Salah, who has accumulated an impressive 45 goals in 73 appearances for Egypt over a decade, has yet to secure victory in the competition. In 2017, Egypt narrowly missed the title, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the final.
On the other hand, Mane, with 26 goals in 80 games since his Senegal debut in 2012, shares a similar story. In 2019, Senegal fell short in the final, succumbing to a 1-0 loss against Algeria.
