Premier League star banned at AFCON after Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane clashed

Habib Diarra will miss the Africa Cup of Nations final after receiving a booking during Senegal's 1-0 semifinal victory over Egypt, where Liverpool legend Sadio Mane scored the winner against Mohamed Salah's side

Mohamed Salah's foul on Sadio Mane caused a touchline disagreement in the AFCON semifinal(Image: Getty Images)

Premier League star Habib Diarra will be absent from the Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday, despite Senegal securing its spot with a 1-0 victory over Egypt.

Sadio Mane netted the decisive goal in Wednesday's match at Tangier Grand Stadium, scoring with roughly 12 minutes remaining. Consequently, Senegal will now face Morocco on Sunday for the ultimate prize.

Regrettably for Sunderland's star player, Diarra, he won't participate in the clash due to receiving a booking. A scuffle was instigated between the two teams following a foul by Mohamed Salah on his former Liverpool teammate Mane toward the end of the first half.

Salah was penalized for tripping the forward as he attempted a counter-attack near the dugouts, sparking a confrontation that required Egyptian and Senegalese players to be separated.

While Salah and Mane tried to defuse the situation, Diarra was booked for his involvement in the incident.

Consequently, he will miss Sunday's final in a heart-wrenching turn of events.

Habib Diarra will miss the final of AFCON(Image: Getty Images)

Diarra has been instrumental in Senegal's campaign at the tournament, making an impact in three matches for his country.

However, his nation will have to face the challenge on Sunday without him.

At club level, the 22-year-old has become a crowd favorite at Sunderland, following a transfer from Strasbourg in the summer.

Despite only making five league appearances for the Black Cats due to injury and international commitments, Diarra has been a stalwart in midfield when fit, often complementing Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki.

However, after being sidelined for a while, he may face a battle to reclaim his spot in Regis Le Bris' starting line-up upon his return to the Stadium of Light.

The midfield trio of Xhaka, Lutsharel Geertruida, and Enzo Le Fee has recently been highly effective, securing draws against Leeds, Manchester City, and Tottenham.

With Senegal securing its spot in Sunday's AFCON final, Diarra is anticipated to remain with his national team until the tournament concludes - even though he's been ruled out of playing.

Salah and Egypt, meanwhile, will face Nigeria in the third-place playoff on Saturday, ruling him out of this weekend's Premier League game against Burnley.