Senegal forward Mamadou Niang has opened up about the conversation that ensured captain Sadio Mane’s legacy as one of the greats of African footballers was protected during the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) chaos.
A dramatic moment in the AFCON 2025 final almost saw history rewritten, as Senegal’s players stormed toward the dressing rooms in protest after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco.
The withdrawal threatened to end the match abruptly, potentially costing Senegal the title and triggering severe sanctions.
In an exclusive revelation, Mamadou Niang recounted how he quietly intervened to guide Sadio Mane, the team’s captain, during the tense standoff. Speaking to Canal+, Niang explained that Mane was visibly shaken as the squad left the field with coach Pape Thiaw.
“Sadio didn’t understand what was happening, he was looking around in shock. He turned to me and asked, “Mamadou, what do I do?’” Niang recalled.
He recognised that the decision rested entirely with Mane, not the referee or CAF officials.
Niang whispered crucial words to Mane, “You cannot leave the field. I understand the anger and frustration, but you must finish the match. This may be your last Africa Cup of Nations, and you cannot leave like this. If we lose, we lose men, not cowards.”
The striker emphasised that Mane didn’t need persuasion as much as psychological support.
“I saw in his eyes that the answer was already inside him, but he was torn between following his teammates and coach, or taking responsibility as a leader,” Niang said.
Other experienced figures, including El Hadji Diouf and French coach Claude Le Roy, also contributed to calming the situation, warning of the severe consequences of a withdrawal.
“The chaos was immense, and Claude Le Roy knew the seriousness of the moment. The only person capable of bringing the team together was Sadio Mane,” Niang added.
Ultimately, Mane led his teammates back onto the field. The match resumed, with Ibrahim Diaz missing a crucial Panenka penalty before Pape Gueye scored the decisive goal in extra time, securing Senegal’s second AFCON title and immortalising the Lions of Teranga in African football history.
