Internationals Mane scores winning penalty to join Jota in qualifying for World Cup

In a repeat of February’s Africa Cup of Nations final, Mane struck the winning penalty as Senegal defeated Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in a shootout - this time to seal victory in their two-legged playoff.

The second leg at Stade du Senegal ended 1-0 to the hosts after 120 minutes, meaning the tie was level following Egypt’s win by the same scoreline in the first game.

Penalties were therefore again required to separate the sides and Mane’s team prevailed 3-1 to secure their spot at Qatar 2022. The Reds’ No.10 blasted the decisive spot-kick straight down the middle, after Salah had missed Egypt’s opening penalty.

Jota, meanwhile, recorded an assist as Portugal beat North Macedonia 2-0 in their playoff to progress to the finals. The Liverpool forward set up Bruno Fernandes with a fine pass and was then withdrawn with 14 minutes remaining in Porto.

Curtis Jones scored England U21s’ second goal in their 3-0 European Championship qualifier victory over Albania; the midfielder executing a high press to retrieve possession before slotting home coolly. Harvey Elliott was an unused substitute in Elbasan.

Takumi Minamino was also involved in competitive action as a second-half substitute as Japan – already assured of their place at the World Cup – rounded off their qualification campaign by drawing 1-1 with Vietnam.

Elsewhere, four Liverpool players turned out in friendlies.

Virgil van Dijk captained the Netherlands to a 1-1 draw with Germany and Andy Robertson skippered Scotland for an hour of their 2-2 draw with Austria.

Caoimhin Kelleher kept a clean sheet as the Republic of Ireland overcame Lithuania 1-0, while Divock Origi came off the bench late on as Belgium beat Burkina Faso 3-0.