Fédération Camerounaise de Football (FECAFOOT) President Samuel Eto’o has thrown his weight behind Sadio Mané to win the African Footballer of the Year award following Senegal’s dramatic Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) triumph.
The Al Nassr forward played a central role as Senegal claimed their second AFCON title, edging hosts Morocco in a tense final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Sunday.
Mané’s leadership was on full display when the Senegalese squad threatened to abandon the match after the referee awarded a late penalty to Morocco following a foul on Brahim Díaz in the box.
With the team poised to walk off, Mané intervened and persuaded his teammates to return to the field, allowing play to continue after an 18-minute delay.
Speaking to FRANCE24, Eto’o—himself a former AFCON and African Player of the Year winner—said Mané deserved the continent’s top individual honour for his performance and conduct.
“Sadio Mané not only contributed to winning the tournament but also to saving the image of the national team, because leaving the pitch would have had very serious consequences for Senegal,” he said.
“Sadio is one of the greatest heroes of our continent, and I send him special respect for his morals and leadership qualities. I am honoured to consider him a friend, and his role in leading his teammates to victory was exceptional.
“I hope he achieves another African Footballer Of The Year because what he did, especially his behaviour yesterday, is the act of a great leader,” Eto’o added.
The final was ultimately decided in extra time when Pape Gueye scored the match’s only goal after Morocco’s Brahim Díaz saw his panenka attempt saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
With the victory, Mané joins an elite group of African players who have won the AFCON title twice.
