Former Egypt captain and Confederation of African Football ambassador, Ahmed Hassan, has said that he would create an award similar to the Nobel Prize for Senegal star Sadio Mane for the influential role played in the chaotic 2025 Africa Cup of Nation final.
The North Africa football heavyweights succumbed to a narrowly defeat to Senegal in a dramatic final, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday night.
The high-stake clash descended into controversy after a late penalty decision in Morocco’s favour sparked furious protests from the Senegalese camp, leading to a brief stoppage as players appeared ready to abandon the pitch on the instructions of their bench.
But Sadio Mane demonstrated leadership, intervening and rallying his teammate to return to the pitch for the continuation of the match.
He refused to leave the pitch as his coach and players decided to leave in protest of a controversial penalty awarded to Morocco in the dying moments, minutes after a goal for Senegal was disallowed.
However, the former Egypt star has heaped praise on Mane, while advocating for a Nobel Prize-like ward for saving African football.
“If I were in charge and had a decision in the African Football Confederation, I would create an award similar to the Nobel Prize and give it to Senegalese Sadio Mane.”
“This award will be called the Responsibility Award and will save the reputation and image of African football after he proved that he is not only the best player in the tournament, but also a leader without a badge who was present on time with a decision that is the greatest in the history of Senegalese football.”
“All respect to Mane and all respect to the Senegalese team that won the title, and better luck next time to the Moroccan team.”
Senegal won the title for the second time in its history after 2021 at the expense of Egypt, and ended its drought in final matches with a wonderful goal from Pape Gueye, which is the 100th goal in the history of the Taranga Lions in the African Cup of Nations.
For the first time, the Senegalese national team has triumphed over the host nation after five previous attempts without a victory against the home team.
The Taranga Lions now hold the second-longest unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations with 18 matches, after Egypt, who hold the record with 24 matches.
The Moroccan national team has been absent from the podium in the Africa Cup of Nations for 50 years, since winning the title in 1976.
