Liverpool striker Sadio Mane equaled Didier Drogba’s record as Africa’s top scorer in the Champions League knockout stages.
The Reds’ No. 10 scored his second goal in a 2-0 win over Villarreal at Anfield on Thursday night as Merseyside moved closer to the May 28 final.
14- Tonight Sadio Mane scored his 14th goal in the knockout stages of the UEFA Champions League, equaling Didier Drobja’s record as the African player with the most goals in the tournament’s history. Pride. pic.twitter.com/fwVTLoxqbf
– OptaJoe (OptaJoe) April 27 2022
The match got off to a slow start before Anfield was fully filled, with few chances open at either end, with the exception of Thiago Alcantara’s effort fired from the post.
It came to life though as it took four minutes into the second half as the hosts netted two quick goals to make a fairly comfortable lead in the second leg next week.
Jordan Henderson’s first shot was deflected inside, before Mane sealed the victory after two minutes, hitting a cross to Mohamed Salah.
The hit means Mane has now scored 14 goals in the tournament’s knockout stages, matching the Ivorian’s record.
African Player of the Year has a chance to beat the Ivorian series when they play away to Villarreal next week in the reverse game.
