Liverpool’s African trio failed to sparkle, as the Reds went down to a heavy 3-0 defeat against Barcelona in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final tie.
The scoreline was particularly cruel, as Liverpool matched the Spanish giants for long stretches and carved out numerous chances which they failed to convert.
Guinean midfielder, Naby Keita was forced off after 24 minutes with a groin injury and Luis Suarez opened the scoring two minutes later.
Sadio Mané should have pulled his side level in the second half but blazed a sumptuous James Milner delivery over the bar.
Two goals from Lionel Messi, the second a stunning freekick and his 600th goal for Barcelona, sealed the win while Mohammed Salah hit the post late on.
The result puts Salah and Mane’s hopes of qualifying for their second consecutive UEFA Champions League final in danger.
Keita’s injury makes him a doubt for the return fixture at Anfield next Tuesday, as well as the Reds’ last two English Premier League fixtures against Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Meanwhile, Guinea will hope to have the combative midfielder back in time for their campaign at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The Syli Nationale are drawn against Nigeria, Madagascar and Burundi in Group B of tournament.
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