Senegal star Sadio Mane has revealed the behind-the-scenes story of how he convinced the team to complete the final match against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The West African football heavyweights won the continental showpiece in a crazy scenario, defeating host Morocco 1-0 in a match held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat after 120 minutes.
Senegal had left the field after referee Jacques Ndala awarded a penalty kick to Morocco, minutes after disallowing a goal for the Taranga Lions.
But Mane urged his teammates to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match. Their return paid off with Pape Gueye netting the match winner after Brahim Diaz had squandered a golden penalty kick.
“It wasn’t easy, I’m grateful and thank God for everything, and today is very important for me. I have some mixed feelings; I wrote my story in Africa.” he told beIN SPORTS.
“I didn’t understand the team’s decision not to complete the match because of the penalty awarded to Morocco, and I don’t care about any of that because we have to play. It’s crazy that this happened because the whole world is watching us. I spoke with the coach that we should play the match to the end, and I received advice to play.”
“Was this my last match? I’m trying to play in the 2026 World Cup and then we’ll see. Playing as if I’m 20 years old? The Saudi league is very competitive, and I play at a good level and I always work hard, and this is proof that the Saudi league is one of the best in the world.”
Mane won the Player of the Tournament award for the second time, having also won in 2021edition, where his outfit secured their first title in Cameroon.
Senegal has now won the AFCON twice in history, while Morocco’s trophy drought continues.
The Atlas Lions has been absent from the podium in the Africa Cup of Nations for 50 years, since winning the title in 1976.
