Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter for the latest tips and offers Sign up to the Independent's betting newsletter
Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane are set for a 9,000-mile round trip to Ghana the day before Liverpool face Everton in the FA Cup.
The two players have been shortlisted for the African Player of the Year award which will take place in Accra on 4 January.
The players will be travelling to the event via a private plane which will also bring the duo back to Liverpool in time for the side’s clash against their city rivals on 5 January.
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratingsShow all 22 1 /22Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Asmir Begovic - 5 out of 10 Begovic could have done better with Firmino’s swerving volley, even if Salah was offside on the follow-up.
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Simon Francis - 5 A poor showing. Struggled with Liverpool’s quick passing down the left.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Steve Cook - 3 An unfortunate own goal, and even his attempt to bring down Salah before the Egyptian’s second failed on a tough afternoon for the centre back. Salah was constantly in behind him.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Nathan Ake - 5 Not his best afternoon. Struggled with Firmino and Salah, particularly the latter’s movement in behind.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Charlie Daniels - 5 Struggled to track Xherdan Shaqiri and Liverpool’s other forwards down his channel.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings David Brooks - 6 Probably Bournemouth’s brightest player. Plenty of positive movement.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Jefferson Lerma - 6 Another booking for the combative Colombian, and too many misplaced passes. Still some way to go as a complete footballer.
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Andrew Surman - 5 A couple of eye catching passes, but never seized control in midfield.
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Junior Stanislas - 5 Struggled to produce anything against James Milner, and was no more effective in the hole or on the right.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Ryan Fraser - 5 Very quiet in what seemed to be an unnatural position behind the striker.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Josh King - 5 A frustrating game for King. Without Callum Wilson he seem
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Alisson - 6 A quiet afternoon. One good first half save at his near post.
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings James Milner - 7 On his 500th Premier League appearance, Milner was surprisingly shifted to right back with Joe Gomez injured. He performed well, controlling Junior Stanislas in the first half
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Joel Matip - 6 Not too much to do for Matip. Comfortable with the ball at his feet.
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Virgil van Dijk - 6 Not at his domineering best, though still very solid throughout
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Andy Robertson - 8 Impressive in both defence and attack. His interplay with Keita and Salah was magnificent at times, while his powerful cross caused Cook’s calamitious own goal.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Xherdan Shaqiri - 8 In a somewhat hybrid position, Shaqiri player particularly well. His passing can be joyful and his relationship with Salah is a particularly fruitful one. Faded a little before coming off.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Georginio Wijnaldum - 7 Solid and professional in his midfield business.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Naby Keita - 7 Seemed rather comfortable as a left midfielder, combining nicely with cohorts Robertson and Salah in the second half.
Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Fabinho - 8 A strong performance at the base of midfield. Showed a good range of passing and looked to play forward as often as possible.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Mohamed Salah - 9 An excellent hat trick, even with the controversy over the non-offside call for his first. A persistent menace for Bournemouth, consistently testing them in behind. He took his three chances very competently, particularly his elongated third
AFP/Getty Images
Bournemouth vs Liverpool player ratings Roberto Firmino - 7 Not as prominent in the box as he sometimes can be, but utilised the ball well and created space for others. His swerving shot forced the error from Begovic for Salah’s first.
Getty Images
Borussia Dortmund’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has been nominated for the prestigious accolade alongside Salah and Mane to make up the three-man shortlist.
Salah is favourite to lift the award having enjoyed a remarkable run of form in recent months.
The winger has made an excellent start to his career at Anfield, scoring 20 goals in all competitions for the side.
Alongside his goal-scoring feats for Liverpool, Salah also scored the injury-time penalty that sealed a 2-1 win for Egypt against Congo to book the side’s place at Russia 2018.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies