Image Credits: Imago Images
Sadio Mane cemented himself as one of Africa’s greatest players with a second AFCON title on Sunday evening after a chaotic 1-0 win over Morocco that required extra-time to thrash out a winner.
The 33-year-old former Liverpool star was named MVP of AFCON 2025 after playing a pivotal role in Senegal’s triumph at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium – a match that will be remembered as one of the most controversial finals in African football history.
With the game deadlocked at 0-0 deep into stoppage time, referee Jean-Jacques Ndala awarded Morocco a controversial penalty after a VAR review. Furious at the decision – which came moments after Senegal had a legitimate-looking goal disallowed – coach Thiaw ordered his entire squad off the pitch in protest.
As teammates stormed down the tunnel, Mané stayed on the field waving frantically at officials. He then ran into the dressing room and convinced the team to return after a 14-minute delay.
“Yes, it was I who convinced the team to return to the field. The players and the coach had decided to withdraw, and I didn’t understand that decision, but finally, I told everyone to return immediately and to play no matter the cost,” Mané revealed after the match.
Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz subsequently missed the penalty with an ill-advised panenka attempt, chipping weakly into the arms of goalkeeper Édouard Mendy. Galvanized by the save and Mané’s leadership, Senegal scored through Pape Gueye’s stunning 94th-minute strike to claim victory.
But it was not the only revelation post-match. Mane also revealed that it was his last AFCON tournament, and that he aims to retire from the Senegal national team after the 2026 World Cup in North America next summer:
“I will try to play in the 2026 World Cup and then I will retire from international football,” he said to reporters.
However, Senegal boss Pape Thiaw is not in agreement, and hopes that Mane will eventually reverse his decision.
“The country is not in agreement [with his decision], and I am not in agreement,” Thiaw said to ESPN.
“We want to keep him as long as possible. He represents Africa, the world, and when we say it’s his decision, it doesn’t just belong to him, he belongs to the people of Senegal, and they want to see him carry on.”
“Considering his example, we need such people like this in the country. He gives lessons, his humility, his education, how he gives his sweat for Senegal.
“He gave his life for this team to get to the World Cup in 2022, he gave his life to win the first AFCON and get the first star. If I had to sign a paper to allow this player to leave, I would say ‘no’, and his teammates would say ‘no’ as well.”
READ MORE: Sadio Mane breaks silence on Senegal protest drama
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