Senegal captain Sadio Mané spoke candidly after leading his nation to a second Africa Cup of Nations title, following a tense 1-0 extra-time victory over hosts Morocco in the 2025 final.
The Liverpool forward, visibly moved, paid tribute to the Senegalese people and reflected on the dramatic moments that defined the match.
A late penalty awarded to Morocco sparked confusion on the Senegal bench, prompting brief discussions about abandoning the match in protest.
“Personally, I don’t think it was a penalty. But if the referee decides, you have to respect it. Everyone wanted to come off. I asked Claude Le Roy for his opinion, and he told me to stay and play. Mamadou Niang told me the same thing, as did El Hadji Diouf. So I went and asked everyone to stay. And in the end, we were rewarded,” Mané recounted.
The forward stressed the personal significance of the final, suggesting it could mark the closing chapter of his AFCON career.
“Today was the match where I had to give everything. There were no excuses. I told myself that this match could be my last in the AFCON. There was no tomorrow, no day after tomorrow, it was today. I had to give everything.”
Mané’s performance, alongside a resilient Senegalese side, exemplified discipline and determination, with goalkeeper Édouard Mendy producing a string of key saves to secure the historic win.
The victory came despite a hostile Moroccan crowd, underscoring the mental strength of the Lions of Teranga.
When questioned about his international future, Mané offered cautious optimism.
“If all goes well, I will accompany the team to the World Cup. After that, I think it will be good.”
His comments leave the door open for a potential AFCON farewell, though he remains committed to Senegal’s immediate objectives.
The victory solidifies Mané’s legacy as one of Africa’s finest forwards, contributing decisively to Senegal’s continental achievements alongside his teammates.
It also highlights his leadership both on and off the pitch, as he guided his team through a match fraught with tension, pressure, and controversy.
For Senegal, the triumph marks a second AFCON title in three editions, cementing the country’s status as a continental powerhouse.
For Mané, the achievement represents both a personal milestone and a potential swan song in the competition that has defined much of his international career.
