Saints are set to lose Sadio Mane for around a month early next year after he helped Senegal qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations.

Mane, his nation’s talisman, played the full 90 minutes as Senegal battled to a brave 1-0 win in Egypt, secured by Stoke striker Mame Biram Diouf’s goal after eight minutes.

Senegal are now guaranteed a place in the tournament, which runs from January 17 to February 8 in Equatorial Guinea, no matter what happens in their final game against whipping boys Botswana.

Emmanuel Mayuka could also join Mane in jetting off from St Mary’s for the tournament.

The striker played 88 minutes for Zambia today as they won 1-0 in Mozambique.

The result leaves them in second place in their group and in a great position to qualify.

If they can get a point in their final match against group leaders Cape Verde next Wednesday then they are in.

Even if they lost and were overhauled by Mozambique they could still make it as the best third placed team.

That would mean Saints would also lose Mayuka early next year.

Elsewhere, Josh Sims played the first 70 minutes for England under-18s as they defeated Poland 3-2 away from home.