Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has heaped praise on Sadio Mane, crediting the forward’s influence and sacrifices as central to the Lions of Teranga’s Africa Cup of Nations triumph over Morocco.
Senegal claimed their second AFCON title on Sunday with a hard-fought 1-0 victory, capping a dramatic night that once again placed the nation at the summit of African football.
Speaking in a television interview, Koulibaly reflected on the difficulty of the final and the collective effort that carried the team to glory.
“The match was very difficult given the different circumstances, but the team performed exceptionally well and managed to achieve victory. I feel very happy with this title, especially since it is a title I have long dreamed of,” he said.
The Al-Hilal defender highlighted the mental strength shown by the squad throughout the tournament, insisting that discipline and focus were decisive factors in Senegal’s success.
“The tournament was by no means easy, but the victory was achieved thanks to humility and focus from the start of the journey, in addition to ensuring that all players were at the highest level of mental readiness,” the defender shared.
Koulibaly also noted the rising intensity of the competition as the tournament progressed, stressing the need for continued hard work ahead of future challenges.
“The competition has intensified significantly in the knockout stages, which requires us to continue working and making more effort in preparation for the upcoming challenges,” he said.
Explaining why Sadio Mane was entrusted with the captain’s armband and the honour of lifting the trophy, Koulibaly made it clear that the decision was based on the forward’s immense contribution to Senegalese football.
He emphasised that Mane fully deserved the moment, citing the sacrifices he has made over the years and describing him as a player who carries the history of the national team on his shoulders, making him the most deserving figure to lift the AFCON trophy and be crowned with the achievement.
