Sadio Mane could cap a fine week by helping Senegal qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Though his absence for a month early next year would be a huge blow to Saints, qualification for the tournament would be another feather in his cap after the summer signing was nominated for the Confederation of African Football’s 2014 African Player of the Year award.

Senegal travel to face Egypt today knowing a win would ensure their place in the finals, which are now to be held in Equatorial Guinea.

If Senegal fail to win it will go to the final group game next Wednesday when they take on Botswana.

“Our group is super competitive,” said Mane.

“We really have to focus on the next contest in Egypt – it’s a six-point-match. But we have the players and capabilities to win there to take the next big step towards the finals. At the finals, there will be the creme de la creme from the African continent.”

He added: “It is challenging, but I am proud to be an integral part of the national team already at such a young age.

“However, I still keep learning a lot from other older players while at the same time trying to be a role-model for even younger players. It’s just a good balance of experienced, skilful and young players in our team, and this is what make the spirit so special.

“I do not want to be over-optimistic, but I can feel that we may start playing a bigger role at international level again.

“We have to focus on our strength which is playing football, creating a healthy team mentality.

“With all pulling at one string, we can grow and become more successful in the future. But this is a process, which only we are able to influence. So it’s totally up to us. But I am confident that we are able to deliver.”

Emmanuel Mayuka will also be in Africa Cup of Nations qualification action today as Zambia travel to Mozambique.

Tomorrow is the turn of Toby Alderweireld, who will be in action for Belgium as they take on Wales, and Graziano Pelle, who will be hoping for another cap, and another goal, as Italy host Croatia. Both of those games are Euro 2016 qualifiers.