Senegal captain Sadio Mane shared the vital message he gave teammates during the intense finale of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Afrosport reports.
Senegal triumphed over hosts Morocco to claim their second title, despite late-match chaos at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Controversy struck when Morocco was awarded a penalty in the final minutes for a foul on Brahim Diaz, sparking protests from Senegalese players and a 17-minute delay as they briefly left the pitch.
Amid the turmoil, Mane’s composure stood out. He encouraged teammates to stay focused and resume play, demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship.
“It was not an easy game, but we did it, and we are truly happy,” said Mane after the win, describing the historic night as possibly his final AFCON appearance.
Reflecting on the penalty decision, he emphasised teamwork in resolving whether to continue: “In the end, I decided to bring everyone back onto the pitch.”
Mane was praised for calming his team before the penalty was taken. He stressed the importance of maintaining integrity, stating: “Referees make mistakes just like players. The whole world was watching. It was vital to finish the match properly— football comes first.”
Lifted. Loved. Legendary. Senegal & Mané. 🇸🇳❤️#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/3Z5m26IkLt
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 18, 2026
Senegal secured victory, cementing Mane’s legacy as one of their greatest players. Overwhelmed with emotion, he admitted he had not planned his celebration yet.
Senegal’s triumph showcased not only their skill but also Mane’s leadership and commitment to fair play on Africa’s biggest stage.
