Sadio Mané reflects on nerve-wracking penalty moment in historic AFCON 2022 final

Sadio Mané has revealed the intense emotions and pressure he faced during the decisive penalty in Senegal’s 2022 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against Egypt, a moment that secured his nation’s first-ever title in the tournament’s history.

In an appearance on the show Confidence, the Al-Nassr forward shared details of his state of mind before, during, and after the crucial penalty shootout.

Senegal had drawn 0-0 with Egypt after 120 minutes of play, sending the match into a penalty shootout to determine the winner.

Mané, who had missed a penalty in the 7th minute of regular time, was tasked with taking the final spot-kick that would seal victory for the Lions of Teranga.

Reflecting on his earlier miss, Mané said, “When I missed my penalty, I immediately pulled myself together, applauding, so as not to discourage my teammates.

Idrissa Gana Gueye and Abdou Diallo came to support me. I tried to forget this moment, but…” Despite the setback, his resilience shone through, helping him focus on the bigger picture.

The pressure mounted as the match extended into extra time, and the outcome rested on the success of the penalty shootout. “It was difficult because I had doubts. I was in another world, but my teammates encouraged me,” Mané explained. “I took eleven steps before shooting. It was an unforgettable moment.”

When asked about his gesture of looking to the sky just before taking the decisive shot, Mané offered a profound insight into his mindset.

“I looked at the sky because it was a moment when I implored God for help. There are times in life when things get complicated and you rely solely on God,” he shared.

Mané’s penalty ultimately flew past Egypt’s goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, clinching a 4-2 victory in the shootout after a tense 120 minutes.

His composed execution, after earlier struggles, helped Senegal secure their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title, a moment of historical significance for the nation.

The 2022 final is remembered as a testament to Mané’s mental strength and determination, as he not only led his team to glory but also overcame personal adversity in one of the sport’s most high-pressure moments. The win sent Senegal into raptures, with the country celebrating a long-awaited continental triumph.