Sadio Mane was an unused substitute in Senegal’s opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Saints winger, who has been suffering from a calf injury, was included on a 12-man bench for today’s 2-1 win against Ghana, in Equatorial Guinea.

Mane did not make it onto the pitch, but is likely to be involved as Senegal continue their Group C campaign.

They are next in action on Friday, when they face South Africa, before playing Algeria on Tuesday next week.

Saints boss Ronald Koeman had initially said Mane would be ruled out for four-to-six weeks and, as a result, would not be able to feature in the competition, after being injured in the New Year’s Day victory against Arsenal.

However, he explained more recently that Mane might return earlier than expected and could play in the competition.

Elsewhere, Maya Yoshida continues his Asian Cup campaign with Japan tomorrow morning.

The Samurai Blue have won their opening two Group C matches, and are looking to ensure top spot and a place in the quarter-finals when they take on Jordan, in Melbourne.

Japan, who are favourites to win the tournament, beat Palestine 4-0 in their opening match – a game in which Yoshida scored – before edging Iraq 1-0.