Liverpool attacker Sadio Mane has equalled the record of Didier Drogba in the Champions League knockout stages after he found the back of the net during the 2-0 win over Villarreal in the Champions League semifinal first leg encounter which was played at Anfield on Wednesday night.
Senegalese international Mane was able to equal the record set by Didier Drogba for the most goals scored by an African in the knockout stages as far as Champions League football is concerned. He equalled the record of 14 goals by scoring the second goal ten minutes into the second half. Liverpool hadtaken the lead two minutes earlier through the own goal from PervisEstupinan off the cross from club skipper Jordan Henderson.
2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner Mane was able to equal the record of the most goals scored by an African player in the Champions League knockout stages in fewer games in comparison to Didier Drogba. Mane has now scored 14 goals in 25 Champions League knockout games, while Drogbascored 14 goals in 46 Champions League knockout stages during his playing days.
Mane has been a key player for Liverpool this season as they chase the English record of winning all the four major trophies in a season. They have eight games between now and the rest of the season to achieve the feat. Liverpool have already won the League Cup title by beating Chelsea on penalties and they would face the same team in the FA Cup final. With the two-goal advantage over Europa League holders Villarreal in the first leg, Liverpool have one leg in the final ahead of the second leg in Spain on Tuesday, while they are one point off reigning champions Manchester City with five league games remaining for the two teams.