The Newcastle United midfielder started once again for Aliou Cisse’s side in Cairo, lining up in midfield as the Lions of Teranga went up against Alain Giresse’s men, who lifted the trophy in 2004.

It was an action-packed game despite the lack of goals, with both sides squandering chances from the penalty spot. Ferjani Sassi saw his effort saved by Senegal’s Alfred Gomis, while Saivet – who spent last season on loan at Turkish outfit Bursaspor – also missed from the spot, seeing his strike saved by former Southampton goalkeeper Mouez Hassen.

In the end, after Tunisia had another penalty overturned by VAR, it took a 100th-minute goal to separate the teams. That extra time own goal by Dylan Bronn made sure of Senegal’s place in the final, where they will face Algeria, who beat Nigeria 2-1 in the other semi-final.

Saivet played the full 90 minutes for his country, having also featured in four of their previous five games at the tournament.

The final will take place on Friday, 19th July, at the Cairo International Stadium.